New exhibit celebrates legacy of Sikh soldiers in Canadian military

A new exhibition that celebrates the military contributions of the Sikh community opened Sunday at the Military Museums

The Military Museums launched an exhibit celebrating the rich history, contributions and legacy of the Sikh community in Canada’s military and beyond.

The grand opening took place Sunday, featuring University of Calgary professor Harjeet Singh Grewal, who spoke about the significant role Sikh soldiers have played in the Canadian military for over a century.

“Canadian Sikhs have played a part in the military since World War One, and so some of the artifacts, their artifacts, personal stories, medals, and the different campaigns they were involved in, are here for everyone to see in a permanent basis,” Grewal said, in an interview with CTV News.

Part of the exhibition is devoted to the story and artifacts of Sophia Duleep Singh, a member of Indian aristocracy who volunteered as a nurse and fundraiser during the First World War in London -- and the connection she made with sick and injured Punjabi soldiers, who were shocked to discover they were receiving treatment from their princess.

“Why is it important to highlight these (Sikh) soldiers? I think it’s important to highlight these soldiers,” Grewal said.

“We get to see again, what the what the humanity and the personal stories, the individual aspects, the games they were playing. We get to see a lot more of their personal histories that we can delve into this.

“And Sophia Daleep Singh has actually done a great service for historians and academics, because, as I was mentioning, she preserved not only the photos, but the names of many of these soldiers, as well as where they were from. And that’s something very rare in colonial archives.”

The exhibition opening coincides with the celebration of Sikh Heritage Month. It runs through April 30.

For more information, go here.