Sikh Soldiers to be Honoured for their services in UK

London—The khanda, one of the most important symbols of Sikhism, will be included in the annual Poppy Appeal organised by the Royal British Legion in honour of the Sikh soldiers who fought along with British troops around the world.

The appeal is held on Remembrance Sunday, which falls on November 13 this year.

Royal Britain Legion, a charity organisation which raises funds for soldiers who served or are serving in Britain’s armed forces, will showcase the khanda to reflect the sacrifices and contribution of the Indian-origin community.

In this year’s appeal in Leicestershire—which has a significant Sikh population—the khanda will join the Christian Cross, the Jewish Star of David and the Muslim Crescent, which have been introduced in recent years.

The khanda, made up of a solid circle, two interlocked swords and a double-edged sword, will be on sale alongside poppies and the other wooden emblems.

Jennifer Leach, the Legion’s community fund-raiser in Leicestershire and Rutland, told the local media: “We have had representations from the Sikh community nationally and locally and we felt it was time to produce the khanda.

“We are very happy to be able to mark the sacrifices which have been made by Sikh soldiers who have fought and died in the British army.”

Resham Singh Sandu, the high sheriff of Leicestershire, the first Sikh to hold the post, said he was delighted to hear of the new Poppy Appeal emblem.

He said this is “a wonderful way to celebrate the bravery of all the Sikh soldiers who have served the British army with such distinction.”

“It is no more than their bravery deserves. They have stood shoulder to shoulder with the British for years,” Sandu said.

Last year’s Poppy Appeal, marking the Legion’s 90th birthday, raised £525,161 in Leicestershire alone.

It was the first time the appeal broke the £500,000 mark. The total was 10 percent higher than the previous year’s £476,150.

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