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Young Italians organized an 11-kilometer commemorative walk to honor Sikh soldiers who fought to liberate their community from German occupation during World War II.
Held in Marcato Stracchino to mark the anniversary of the area’s liberation, the event followed a route used by Sikh soldiers during the fighting in 1944. Participants stopped along the way to explain the soldiers’ role in the Allied campaign to local residents gathered along the route.
Young Indians who now call Italy home also joined the walk. An Italian girl, Anika Pronili, led the walkathon, with Inderjit Kala of Forli leading the procession. Participants completed the route in four hours, making several stops to recount the soldiers’ service and sacrifices.
The event was organized at the initiative of World Sikh Military, an organization registered in Italy, to commemorate the fighting that helped liberate the area in 1944.
The program opened with Ardas, a Sikh prayer, recited by the organization’s secretary, Satnam Singh. Following the walk, the mayor of Marcato Stracchino and World Sikh Military President Prithipal Singh laid floral wreaths at the memorial to honor the fallen soldiers.
In her remarks, the mayor praised the soldiers for risking their lives for people and a land largely unfamiliar to them. She also acknowledged the harsh winter conditions they faced while fighting German forces.
“My respect for Sikh soldiers and Sikhs grows every day as I hear stories about their role in the World Wars and in helping people in distress. I hope these remembrance events will continue to be organized for times to come.”
Following remarks by the mayor and Prithipal Singh, Sikh religious figure Fateh Singh discussed the foundations of Sikh philosophy. He described Sikhism as the newest and most scientific religion and highlighted its principle of “sarbat da bhalla,” or the well-being of humanity.
Other participants included Iqbal Singh Sodhi, Manjinder Singh Suzaru, Ravinder Singh Bhau, Parminder Singh Gumtala, and Kuljit Singh.
Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Novillada organized langar, a community meal, for those attending.
