Legislation in US for Sep 12 as Saragarhi Day of Sikh Pride

Legislation in US for Sep 12 as Saragarhi Day of Sikh Pride A legislation has been introduced in the Virginia Assembly to declare September 12 as 'Saragarhi Day of Sikh Pride' in recognition of the valour of 21 Sikh warriors who fought against 10,000 Afghan tribesmen in modern day Pakistan in the Battle of Saragarhi this day in 1897.   The battle was fought before the Tirah Campaign on September

12, 1897 between just 21 Sikhs of the 36th Sikhs (now the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment) of British India, defending an army post in the North-West Frontier Province(now Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) and 10,000 Afghan tribesmen.

Praising the valour shown by these Sikh soldiers, the legislation introduced on January 11 in the Virginia Senate by Bryce Reeves designates September 12 in 2017 and in each succeeding year as 'Saragarhi Day of Sikh Pride in Virginia.' 

"It is a proud moment for the Sikhs of the Commonwealth State of Virginia," said Indian-American Puneet Ahluwalia, a leader of the State Republican Party and a member of the Trump's advisory committee on Asian Americans. 

He hoped that other states, where Sikhs have a sizeable population like California, and also Congress would introduce similar measures to recognise the valour of the Sikh soldiers. 

"This great feat could not have been achieved without the leadership and efforts of Senator Dick Black and Lt Governor Candidate Senator Bryce Reeves. Through many years of their own service and dedication to the country, they have been able to appreciate first hand the contribution, valour and sacrifice of the 21 Sikh Warriors who stood fast in the Battle of Saragarhi," Ahluwalia said. 

"At the very core of Sikh values areequality, non- discrimination, standing up for true justice,life of service & dedication, and the protection of the faith of each and every person.Seeing how these core values and beliefs were in line with their own, St Black and Reeves began this initiative to follow through with the recognition of the great Battle of Saragarhi as The Saragarhi Day of Sikh Pride in Virginia," he said. 

Meanwhile, Congressman Ami Bera, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, applauded the new religious accommodation policy of the US Army announced early this month. 

In a significant move to enable all religious minorities in America, including the Sikhs, the US Army issued new regulations on religious liberty to accommodate people who wear beards, turbans or hijabs. 

"This is an important step in ensuring that our military can draw on the best and brightest patriots our nation has to offer, no matter what their faith or culture," Bera said.