The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Festival Hall last Saturday had more than usual significance; it marked the historic Centenary of the start of the First World War. The momentousness was also true for the wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph the following morning. Except for a passing remark at the Cenotaph about the Indian soldiers in the war , absence of any mention of the contributions of the Indian soldiers ( India before partition includes Pakistan and Bangladesh) was as unbelievable as it was unacceptable. In fact, it was hurtful that there was not even an acknowledgement of Indian contribution to the British war efforts. The Royal Albert Hall presentation was all about the English, the Irish, the Scottish and the Welsh soldiers and rightfully so, but did not over 60 thousand Indians too make the supreme sacrifice for the country not theirs? Was no Indian, with direct or indirect family connection with the war, was worth interviewing? Was there no Indian war widow to take part in the parade? Why was the memorial to the fallen heroes of the First World War on the Brighton Downs or the graves of the Muslim soldiers at Brrokwood Cemetery not shown? As never before, it was an ideal opportunity, in this centenary commemorations services, to acknowledge the significant Indian contribution to the wars. If the Indians fought shoulder to shoulder with the British in the war, then they also have a right to share the tributes for their courage and sacrifices. But once again, Indian war efforts are still no more than just a footnote to war history. And these memorial services continue to be the painful reminders of the forgotten Indian army. The wars may be over but the battle to draw the attention of the British to do justice to the Indian soldiers continues.
Kusoom Vadgama
London
