GRAVESEND, UK—In a very dignified ceremony, the long awaited statue unveiling of Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji DFC took place in Gravesend (Kent, UK).
Mayor of Gravesham, Councillor John Caller, welcomed everyone and highlighted the long journey to install the statue of this extraordinary local hero. He praised “the intricate detail and magnificent work of the sculptor Douglas Jennings.”
Air Vice-Marshal Edward Stringer elaborated on “the distinguished history of this courageous officer pilot”. He mentioned “the immense contribution made by many from the Commonwealth towards the war effort” and congratulated the former Mayor for having coordinated the considerable fundraising effort. He then pulled the cord to unveil the 8 ft beautiful bronze statue mounted on a 4 ft Portland stone plinth, followed by rapturous applause and Sikh slogans of “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal” from the large gathering along the river Thames.
Councillor Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, former Mayor and Labour’s MP candidate for Gravesham, said “It’s a momentous day, not only for the community of Gravesham, but for the UK. I’m sure that such initiatives will help to further integrate all our community into one cohesive whole.” Whilst the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Gravesend helped to raise a considerable sum, Cllr Dhesi emphasised that “it has been a collective community effort, especially the fundraising drive almost three years ago when we raised £70,000.”
The project has taken nearly three years to complete. Gravesham Borough Council Leader John Burden and a statue committee oversaw the project, with the council making all arrangements, such as finding a sculptor and a suitable town centre location.
The British Sikh community will no doubt be pleased that a statue of a turbaned Sikh soldier has been installed – thereby recognising their war efforts and serving as a role model for future generations. However, as the inscription at the rear of the statue notes, the Pujji statue symbolises much more than that – it’s to commemorate those from around the world who served alongside Britain in all conflicts 1914-2014.
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