:dateline:Young actors�have been given a rare opportunity to dress up in British World War One�uniforms and re-enact the real life experiences of Sikhs who fought during the�conflict for a new film, being released on Friday 4th July 2014.�
“Indians�in the Trenches” depicts the real life stories of those from the�subcontinent who left their villages in 1914 to fight in a faraway land for the�first time. �The film uses the original letters sent from the trenches of�France and Flanders to delve into what the Indian soldiers felt and experienced�at different key points during the four-year war.
It’s the�first time a Sikh re-enactment has taken place in Britain, and the first time�the original writings of those who fought have been enacted and captured on�film.� Around 126,000 Sikhs fought during�the conflict in every arena of the war – from the western front to Mesopotamia;�and their contribution is all the more remarkable when considered that despite�being only 2% of the Indian population at the time they made up 20% of the�fighting force of the British Indian Army.
The letters contain�a strong belief of their faith and identity.�
One Sikh soldier wrote �It was my very good fortune to be engaged in this�war.� We shall never get such another�chance to exalt the name of race, country, ancestors, parents, village and�brothers.� While another Sikh remarked �We are fortunate men to have been able to�join in this great war.� We will do our�best to uphold the family traditions and the reputation of our tribe.�
But the�experience for the Indians was also very harrowing as they faced the harsh�realities of the conflict during the winter of 1914 without proper warm�kit.� One Sikh soldier remarked �The guns�fire all day like the thunder in Sawan.�The heaven and earth are undistinguishable and at night there is a�regular Diwali festival.�
Speaking�about the film, director Jay Singh-Sohal said: “This has been a fantastic way�of highlighting the Indian contribution during the war through real life�letters and experiences. �The Sikh story itself is inspiring because of�the overwhelming contribution this small community made to the war effort, and�this is reflected in that a quarter of Indian gallantry awards were given to�this martial race.� It�s something people�today should not forget.“
This was the�first role for aspiring young actor Pavandeep Singh Sandhu (pictured above),�who plays the role of cavalrymen Bhaga Singh says: “It�s been a really�exciting opportunity to portray this role, especially as Sikhs made such a�dramatic impact during the course of the war. �It makes me feel proud that our forefathers made this sacrifice.� To delve into the psyche of the soldiers�enabled me to appreciate what they went through � and be inspired by it.�
The film is being�released on the online film site www.sikhsatwar.info�and broadcast on British television as part of efforts to raise awareness during�the centenary commemorations of World War One.
The team will�then be working alongside members of the Armed Forces to create a national�memorial to remember the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers.
