Honouring Legacy, Leadership, and Sacrifice

The British Indian Army remembered at the House of Parliament

History is not only written in books; it is carried in the hearts of those who choose to remember.

On 23rd May 2025, within the hallowed halls of the House of Parliament, we gathered not just to commemorate a chapter of military history — but to correct its silence.

The “Remembering the Commonwealth Heroes” event was more than a formal gathering. It was a living, breathing tribute to the nearly five million Indian soldiers who fought under the British flag during the First and Second World Wars — many of whom paid the ultimate price for a country not yet their own.

Did you know?

• 1.5 million Indian soldiers served in the First World War.
• 2.5 million more volunteered during the Second World War — forming the largest volunteer army in history.
• Over 87,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives across both wars.¹
• 30 Victoria Crosses — the highest award for gallantry — were awarded to Indian troops.
• More than 17,000 gallantry awards were presented in recognition of their bravery.

And yet, their stories are still not part of mainstream historical memory.

• Their names do not appear in most school curriculums.
• Their regiments are rarely mentioned in museum displays.
• ​Their sacrifices are whispered, not widely honoured.

A Collective Commitment to RemembranceThe evening was made possible through the support of key dignitaries and friends of the Commonwealth military community. Our deepest gratitude goes to:

• MP Bob Blackman CBE, who graciously sponsored the event and has long stood beside the Indian diaspora with dignity and resolve.
• Lord Paul Boateng, whose stirring words called us to remembrance and unity.
• Lord Rami Ranger FRSA, for his unwavering commitment to heritage and sacrifice.
• Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter KCVO DL, whose support was instrumental in allowing our serving soldiers to proudly wear their uniforms for this occasion.
• Dr Tejpal Ralmil and Lt. Kamaldeep Sandhu, for bringing depth and historical accuracy to the British Indian Army’s incredible yet often forgotten legacy. A brilliantly curated article about the Indian Labour Corps can be found here. 
• WO1 Ashok Kumar Chauhan MBE, whose behind-the-scenes contributions were vital in making this event possible.

Their presence not only honoured the past but also reinforced the responsibility we all share in preserving it.

Voices of Legacy and Identity
A particularly moving aspect of the evening came from the stories shared by our community speakers — many of them serving soldiers and descendants of those who fought.

Each five-minute story was a window into personal heritage, pride, and untold resilience:

• Amrit Singh Bahia spoke of his great-great-grandfather’s service in WWI — a personal thread connecting generations.
• Rupinder Kaur Bimrah revived the memory of Naik Gian Singh VC, who hailed from just 2km away from my own village in Punjab — a reminder of how close history truly is.
• Cpl Iqra Shahzadi shared the powerful account of Khudadad Khan, the first Indian VC recipient.
• Lcpl Manpreet Maycock highlighted the courage of Begum Pasha Shah, illustrating the often-overlooked role of women in wartime narratives.
• Dr Gaurav Hans, representing Uttarakhand, honoured Gabar Singh Negi VC — another son of India whose story deserves to be known.
• Chanda Jha brought alive the legacy of Lt Gen PS Bhagat VC, a figure of leadership and grit.

These narratives were not simply about the past. They are about who we are today — the legacy we carry as British Indians, and the rich contribution we continue to make in uniform and beyond.

Leadership, Sacrifice, and Silent Strength
We must remember: these soldiers did not fight for medals or applause. Many came from modest villages, spoke little English, and had never seen the lands they were sent to defend. And yet, they marched — from the trenches of the Somme to the jungles of Burma — not because they had to, but because duty was greater than fear.

This is self-leadership in its purest form:

• To serve without recognition.
• To lead in the face of adversity.
• To sacrifice without expectation.

Their bravery was not shaped in military academies — it was forged in faith, loyalty, and an unshakable sense of honour.

A New Chapter BeginsThis was not a one-time remembrance. This was the beginning of a deeper national conversation.

We must now:

• Educate — ensuring our schoolchildren know the full story of WWI and WWII.
• Celebrate — making space for these soldiers in museums, books, and media.
• Empower — using this legacy to inspire future generations of British Indian youth.

Because leadership is also about bridging the past to build the future.

Final Reflection
What does leadership really mean? For me, it means carrying forward the legacy of those who had nothing, yet gave everything. It means standing up for the forgotten — not for credit, but because it is the right thing to do.
This event was not just about history.
It was about honouring and leading.
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Major Munish Chauhan MBBS, MRCS, DMCC, PGDip, RAMS - British Army