Amarinder unveils book on historic battle of Saragarhi
Sunday, 09/04/2017
http://epaper.dailypostindia.com/Details.aspx?id=175619&boxid=58989&uid=&dat=2017-04-09
Chandigarh : Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday unveiled his latest, and perhaps the most iconic book `The 36th Sikhs in Tirah Campaign 1897-98: Saragarhi and the defence of Samana forts’.
Captain Amarinder presented a copy the book to Governor V P Singh Badnore.
Actor Randeep Hooda who is the star of the upcoming movie based on Saragarhi also graced the occasion.
Governor Badnore suggested that the state government should start a literary festival in Chandigarh focused on defence and war . Amarinder immediately accepted the suggestion and announced October 27 as the tentative date for holding the maiden fest.
The book is a homage to 21 men of the 36th Sikhs, led by Havaldar Ishar Singh laid their lives fighting in what was perhaps the greatest last stands of all times.
Emotional Captain Amarinder said, “In many ways, it was an untold story, waiting to be told. While there are many books and articles on the Battle of Saragarhi, Tirah Campaign, had remained somewhat obscured. I wanted to share the story of Tirah and in particular the story of Dad - the 22nd man, whose name or religion remains unknown till date.”
With some lopsided rules preventing Dad from being honoured like the other 21 who died fighting the Afghan tribals in the battle, he continues to remain lost in the sands of time, says Captain Amarinder, pointing out that his book was a small effort to put things in perspective.
In response to a request from the audience, the Chief Minister promised a suitable memorial for Hav Ishar Singh in his village, as well as for some other soldiers who had laid their lives for their country.
During the panel discussion, the panelists discussed the various facets of the battle which, till date, remains etched as a story of inspiration and a reminder of how, when pushed to the brink, men can rise beyond their human capacities.
The event concluded with 10th Guru recitation and jaikara by the troops of the 8th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, giving way to last rouse.
