During a visit to Milan, Italy. Kulveer Singh a Sikh gentleman was approached by a dignified looking Italian gentleman and asked if he was a Sikh?
When Kulveer Singh confirmed that he was indeed a Sikh, the Italian responded.
“My Grand-papa was in Mussolini’s army in World War II. And he used to tell me a story. He told me that they were winning the war as they moved into Eastern Africa. They won many battles against the British.
And then the British brought a regiment of fierce looking warriors. Men that looked like ferocious animals when in battle, the Sikhs. Their war-cry was so frightening that the Italian army used to shiver when it sounded.
They attacked with their artillery; when they finished their artillery fire they attacked with their guns; when they finished their bullets they fought with bayonets; and when their bayonets were snatched they fought with knives; and then even as they were bleeding they fought with bare hands.” My Grandpa used to say that it was the Sikhs that turned the war around. They routed their enemy wherever they went.
Finally, my Grandpa was captured by the Sikh regiment”, he said. “He was a Prisoner of War, with limited canteen. Even water was scarce. The Sikhs, the ferocious Sikhs that behaved like hungry lions on the field, were like benevolent guardians in the camps. They slept hungry themselves but gave their food to the prisoners. They gave them so much respect and love that my Grand-papa used to say that he had never seen men like Sikhs.“
For the vanquished Italian people to honor their victors and to erect a memorial for them, shows the great and noble image Sikhs have enjoyed.
The Sikhs considered as one of the most passionate, honorable and loyal race of people. Following in the footsteps and the teachings of their Gurus. Once a Sikh joins a cause or befriends someone he will support the cause and all its members and their friends and colleagues through thick and thin and if necessary, with laughter lay down his life for them.
Is it any wonder that these fearsome lion-hearted people make the the best friends and the worst enemy and anyone can ever have?
It is unfortunate that in these times of modernity, traditional values and teachings of love, passion, commitment, noble thoughts and deeds, are being edged out by unworthy ideals. Sadly Sikh parents and leadership have failed to learn themselves and thus unable to inspire not only others but the Sikh children themselves on the great heritage they possess.
It is unfortunate, for it appears that if this trend continues, the very existence of so noble and legendary a people could fade away into history.
By Kulveer Singh
When Kulveer Singh confirmed that he was indeed a Sikh, the Italian responded.
“My Grand-papa was in Mussolini’s army in World War II. And he used to tell me a story. He told me that they were winning the war as they moved into Eastern Africa. They won many battles against the British.
And then the British brought a regiment of fierce looking warriors. Men that looked like ferocious animals when in battle, the Sikhs. Their war-cry was so frightening that the Italian army used to shiver when it sounded.
They attacked with their artillery; when they finished their artillery fire they attacked with their guns; when they finished their bullets they fought with bayonets; and when their bayonets were snatched they fought with knives; and then even as they were bleeding they fought with bare hands.” My Grandpa used to say that it was the Sikhs that turned the war around. They routed their enemy wherever they went.
Finally, my Grandpa was captured by the Sikh regiment”, he said. “He was a Prisoner of War, with limited canteen. Even water was scarce. The Sikhs, the ferocious Sikhs that behaved like hungry lions on the field, were like benevolent guardians in the camps. They slept hungry themselves but gave their food to the prisoners. They gave them so much respect and love that my Grand-papa used to say that he had never seen men like Sikhs.“
For the vanquished Italian people to honor their victors and to erect a memorial for them, shows the great and noble image Sikhs have enjoyed.
The Sikhs considered as one of the most passionate, honorable and loyal race of people. Following in the footsteps and the teachings of their Gurus. Once a Sikh joins a cause or befriends someone he will support the cause and all its members and their friends and colleagues through thick and thin and if necessary, with laughter lay down his life for them.
Is it any wonder that these fearsome lion-hearted people make the the best friends and the worst enemy and anyone can ever have?
It is unfortunate that in these times of modernity, traditional values and teachings of love, passion, commitment, noble thoughts and deeds, are being edged out by unworthy ideals. Sadly Sikh parents and leadership have failed to learn themselves and thus unable to inspire not only others but the Sikh children themselves on the great heritage they possess.
It is unfortunate, for it appears that if this trend continues, the very existence of so noble and legendary a people could fade away into history.
By Kulveer Singh
