Singapore, February 8 A Singapore minister and High Commissioners from seven Commonwealth countries, including India, joined the Sikh community here on Sunday to commemorate the soldiers who gave their lives while defending Singapore-Malaya during World War II.
A Remembrance Day memorial service was held at Kranji War Memorial to honor the lives and sacrifices of the 3,318 fallen soldiers, many of whom were Sikhs bearing the name "Singh," hailing from communities across the then undivided Punjab, who served and fell defending Singapore and Malaya against the Japanese forces.
Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai joined about 400 community members and leaders at the memorial service, as well as in celebrating the 100th anniversary of a Gurdwara built by the then immigrant Sikhs on the east coast.
The High Commissioners of the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, India, New Zealand, Canada, and Pakistan – all the countries that were part of World War II – laid wreaths at the Kranji War Memorial.
Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, described the event as "a very memorable and important event," noting the contribution of both the slain soldiers and the Indian community to the redevelopment of Singapore and Malaya.
Ravinderpal Singh, secretary of the Pradeshi Khalsa Dharma Diwan (PKDD), which was founded 100 years ago by then Sikhs living in Singapore, stated, "Their contribution forms an enduring chapter in both Sikh and global history."
The PKDD has been holding a memorial service every year, but this year's event was significantly larger as part of the broader celebration of the Gurdwara centenary, he said.
The celebrations included Gatka, a Sikh martial art performance, displays of Sikh artefacts, and performances by bag-pipers and drummers. The "Last Post" bugle call was sounded as a sign of respect for the deceased soldiers.
Speaking on behalf of the 13,000-strong Sikh community and the seven Gurdwaras in the city state, Ravinder Singh emphasized the continuous social and voluntary service (Sewa) being offered to less fortunate people through the organization of langar (meals from the Gurdwara's community kitchen).