Italy Unveils WWII Memorial Honoring Sikh Soldiers; Khalsa Birth Anniversary Marked in Northern Italy

A new memorial honoring the sacrifice of Sikh soldiers who fought in Italy during the Second World War and contributed to the country’s liberation has been established in Lusara.

The memorial commemorates soldiers of the Punjab Regiment of the 8th Indian Regiment who served in the campaign against Germany. It has been set up jointly by the Municipality of Lusara in coordination with the local chapter of the Association of Italian Freedom Fighters and the Association of World Sikh Shaheed Soldiers Military Commemoration Committee.

According to Prithipal Singh of the World Sikh Soldiers Commemoration Committee, the inauguration ceremony was well attended and included members of the Indian diplomatic corps in Italy.

He noted that several parts of Italy are now home to memorials dedicated to Sikh soldiers who made supreme sacrifices during the liberation of the country.

Meanwhile, members of the Sikh community in northern Italy organized a large gathering to mark the birth anniversary of the Khalsa.

A Nagar Kirtan procession was held at Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Morena, located in the Turin district of Alessandria province. The procession highlighted the origins and evolution of the Khalsa since the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh, articulated the concept of the saint-soldier.

The procession began after the conclusion of the Sri Akhand Path and moved through the streets of Morena. Devotees cleaned the route as they proceeded and recited hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Leading the procession were the “Panj Piaras,” followed by a flower-decorated vehicle carrying the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Members of the Sikh community from across northern Italy participated, along with music and Gatka groups who showcased Sikh martial arts.

Community kitchens were organized along the route, where local residents joined and extended greetings to the Sikh community. The procession concluded at the gurdwara, followed by a special congregation.

The event featured recitations of hymns and Dhadhi vaars highlighting Sikh history. The celebrations were organized under the supervision of a management committee led by Sardar Daljit Singh, president of the Gurdwara Committee, along with other members.

At the conclusion of the Nagar Kirtan, President Daljit Singh and committee members felicitated visiting dignitaries, including the mayor of Morena, mayors from neighboring municipalities, and representatives from the police and local authorities.

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