London [UK], November 17 (ANI): The Brits Desi Society (BDS) organised the first-ever International Jassa Singh Ahluwalia Memorial Day on November 16 at the Guru Amar Das Gurdwara in Leicester, marking a historic occasion for the global Sikh community. The event brought together community leaders, scholars, dignitaries and guests from across the United Kingdom and India to honour the legacy of Sultan-ul-Qaum Jassa Singh Ahluwalia (1718–1783).
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Sukhmani Sahib Path, followed by an in-depth presentation on the life, achievements and enduring contributions of the revered Sikh leader. A major highlight was the launch of the biography The Warrior Saint – A Warrior, A Statesman, dedicated to his leadership and historical impact.
Rishu Walia acknowledged the support of the Gurdwara committee, community members and BDS volunteers, emphasising the need to revive Sikh heritage and preserve historical narratives for future generations. He reflected on Jassa Singh Ahluwalia’s crucial role in uniting the twelve Sikh Misls under the Khalsa flag and his distinguished honour as Sultan-ul-Qaum.
Walia also recalled the reconstruction of the Golden Temple following repeated invasions and the symbolic raising of the Sikh flag over Delhi’s Red Fort, a defining moment in India’s spiritual and martial resurgence.
The programme featured keynote addresses from prominent figures, including Bhai Sahib Mahinder Singh Ahluwalia (OBE, KSG), Gurcharan Singh Gill (Advocate General, Jaipur, and President of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat), Dr Venkatachalam Murugan (Consul General of India, Birmingham), Leicester South MP Shockat Adam and Resham Singh Sandhu (MBE, DL, FRSA).
Several dignitaries also attended the ceremony, among them Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews, Deputy Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Bhupen Dave, Mayor of Oadby & Wigston Cllr Jasvir Chohan and Ashok Verma, husband of Baroness Verma of the House of Lords. Guests travelled from London, Birmingham and other major UK cities to witness the historic event.
The memorial day received numerous messages of appreciation from India. Those extending greetings included Ram Singh Bombay (SGPC-appointed USSF President), Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, former Rajya Sabha MP Tarlochan Singh, Pathankot MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Rajesh Bagha (Former Chairman, Punjab State Commission for SC and President, British Ravidassia Heritage Foundation), Pratap Singh (DIG Retd. and Editor-in-Chief, The Sikh Review) and Advocate Surinder Pal Singh Ahluwalia. Kuldeep Shekhawat, President of Overseas BJP UK and Europe Co-Convenor, also conveyed his wishes. (ANI)
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