Sikh Regiment – Valor, Sacrifice, and Unbreakable Spirit

-Trushti Dand

Formation and Historical Background (1846–1857)

The Sikh Regiment is one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army. Its origins trace back to 1846, following the First Anglo-Sikh War, which ended with the British East India Company defeating the Sikh Empire. Recognizing the martial prowess, discipline, and courage of the Sikh soldiers, the British began recruiting them into their forces. The first units were raised as part of the Bengal Army, under regiments such as the 14th Ferozepore Sikhs and the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs. These units formed the foundation of what would become the modern Sikh Regiment. Their early years were marked by loyal service and battlefield distinction, particularly noted during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, where Sikh troops remained largely loyal to the British and helped suppress the mutiny. This loyalty and bravery earned them permanent regimental status in the British Indian Army.

Service under the British Indian Army (1857–1947)

Throughout the latter half of the 19th century and early 20th century, Sikh regiments participated in major military campaigns under British command. They played crucial roles in the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880), the Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885–1887), and campaigns in the North-West Frontier Province. Their involvement in foreign expeditions, such as the Tirah Campaign (1897–1898), demonstrated their capability in rugged terrain and hostile environments. The Sikh soldiers earned a reputation for aggressive combat and strong moral discipline. Their contribution was further solidified in British military policy, which classified Sikhs as a “martial race,” leading to their continued recruitment and prominence in the army. By the time World War I began, Sikh units were a well-established and integral part of the colonial military structure.

Contribution in World War I (1914–1918)

During the First World War, over 100,000 Sikh soldiers served in the British Indian Army across multiple theaters, including France, Belgium, East Africa, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, and Palestine. They participated in the infamous First Battle of Ypres, where they fought in harsh trench warfare against German forces. Sikh units such as the 14th Ferozepore Sikhs and the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs were part of the Indian Corps deployed on the Western Front. In Gallipoli, they endured grueling conditions and high casualties. Sikh soldiers earned thousands of gallantry awards, including 14 Victoria Crosses won by Indian troops in WWI, several of which went to Sikh soldiers. Their commitment and sacrifice under adverse conditions earned global admiration and led to their commemoration in memorials like the Chattri Memorial in Brighton, UK.

Role in World War II (1939–1945)

In World War II, the Sikh Regiment once again demonstrated its valor across various theaters, including North Africa, Italy, Burma, and Malaya. Sikh soldiers were part of the British Eighth Army fighting Rommel’s Afrika Korps and contributed to the Allied victory in the Italian Campaign, especially during the Battle of Monte Cassino. In the Burma Campaign, Sikh troops fought in the dense jungles against Japanese forces and participated in critical victories at Kohima and Imphal, helping to push back the Japanese offensive toward India. Notable honors include Naik Gian Singh, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for single-handedly destroying enemy positions in Burma in 1945. Sikh soldiers also participated in amphibious assaults and mountain warfare, adapting to varied combat situations with exceptional bravery.

Role in the Indian Army Post-Independence (1947–Present)

After India’s independence in 1947 and the subsequent partition, the Sikh Regiment became an official infantry regiment of the Indian Army. It retained its historic battalions and began new recruitments under independent India. Sikh soldiers played a vital role in the Indo-Pak War of 1947–48, defending territories in Jammu and Kashmir. During the 1962 Sino-Indian War, they held key mountain posts in NEFA (now Arunachal Pradesh) under extreme conditions. In the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Sikh battalions participated in battles such as Asal Uttar, where Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid (from a different regiment but supported by Sikh units) was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously. In the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Sikh units were pivotal in both the Western and Eastern fronts. They breached enemy defenses and helped liberate key positions, contributing to the decisive Indian victory. During the Kargil War in 1999, the Sikh Regiment played a significant role in recapturing peaks in the Dras and Batalik sectors under Operation Vijay.

Gallantry Awards and Notable Officers

The Sikh Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army. It has earned over 1,650 gallantry awards, including 2 Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, and 64 Vir Chakras, in addition to multiple unit citations. Among its most celebrated soldiers is Subedar Joginder Singh, who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra posthumously for his heroism during the 1962 war in the Tawang sector. Despite being wounded, he led his platoon in a last stand against the Chinese, continuing to fight until captured. Another recipient, Naib Subedar Bana Singh, was awarded the Param Vir Chakra in 1987 during Operation Rajiv. He led a daring assault to capture a Pakistani post on the Siachen Glacier, later renamed Bana Post in his honor. These officers embody the regiment’s ethos of bravery and self-sacrifice. Numerous senior military leaders, including Lt. General Harbaksh Singh, who commanded the Western Army during the 1965 war, also rose from Sikh Regiment ranks.

Organization and Recruitment

The Sikh Regiment is headquartered at Ramgarh Cantonment, Jharkhand, where the Regimental Centre is located. It is an infantry regiment consisting of 19 active battalions and several reserve and territorial battalions. Recruitment is open primarily to Sikh soldiers, maintaining its historical identity as a single-class regiment. Soldiers are drawn largely from Punjab and surrounding areas with significant Sikh populations. Their training focuses on infantry warfare, mountain combat, and counterinsurgency operations. The regiment has been actively involved in Operation Blue Star (1984) and subsequent counterinsurgency operations in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Despite political and social tensions, the regiment continued to uphold military discipline and professionalism. Its battalions are among the most battle-ready units in the Indian Army and are deployed in high-risk zones across the country.

Regimental Symbols, Motto, and Traditions

The Sikh Regiment carries a strong martial and spiritual identity, rooted in Sikh philosophy and military history. The regimental motto is “Nischay Kar Apni Jeet Karon”, which translates to “With determination, I will be victorious.” The regimental insignia features the quoit (chakra) and kirpan (sword), central elements of the Sikh warrior tradition. The regiment celebrates Saragarhi Day on September 12 each year to commemorate the Battle of Saragarhi (1897), where 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment held off over 10,000 Afghan tribesmen in one of history’s greatest last stands. This battle is taught in military academies globally as an example of supreme sacrifice and valor. Regimental events begin with Ardas (prayer) and feature kirtan (devotional music), highlighting the fusion of faith and duty that defines the Sikh ethos. The turban, beard, and iron bracelet (kara) are integral to the Sikh soldier’s identity and are maintained in full during ceremonial and combat duties.

Cultural and National Significance

The Sikh Regiment holds immense cultural significance, both within the Sikh community and across India. It symbolizes courage, discipline, and self-sacrifice. Sikh soldiers have historically been seen as protectors of the vulnerable, guided by the teachings of Guru Gobind Singh, who created the Khalsa—a spiritual and martial brotherhood. The regiment’s history is deeply intertwined with India’s military and spiritual legacy. Its contributions during wars, peacekeeping missions, and disaster relief efforts are widely respected. The Sikh Regiment’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations in Congo, Lebanon, and Sudan further exemplifies its global reputation. Its soldiers have featured in Indian films, documentaries, and literature, reflecting their place in the national consciousness. The regiment’s legacy is preserved in military museums and memorials, such as the Saragarhi Memorial Gurdwara in Ferozepur. These cultural symbols reinforce the deep-rooted bond between Sikh values and Indian nationalism.

Legacy and International Recognition

The Sikh Regiment’s contributions have not gone unnoticed internationally. British, American, and Commonwealth historians have recognized the regiment’s historical role in shaping the outcomes of major wars. The Imperial War Museums in London and the National Army Museum include extensive documentation of Sikh contributions in the World Wars. The regiment has received battle honors such as Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, Burma, and Siachen, which are inscribed on regimental flags and honored annually. Its ethos of service above self has influenced other regiments and set benchmarks for discipline, morale, and effectiveness. The continued recruitment of Sikhs into the Indian and foreign militaries—including in the British Army’s Royal Sikh contingent—demonstrates its enduring legacy. With over 175 years of continuous service, the Sikh Regiment represents a bridge between history and modern warfare, combining ancient warrior values with contemporary military excellence.

Conclusion

The Sikh Regiment stands as a proud symbol of valor, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit. From the dusty battlefields of the 19th century to the high-altitude conflicts of Siachen and Kargil, its soldiers have consistently upheld the highest traditions of military service. Decorated with India’s highest gallantry awards, rich in history, and steeped in cultural pride, the Sikh Regiment remains one of the most formidable and respected units in the Indian Army. It is not only a military institution but also a living embodiment of Sikh heritage, courage, and unwavering loyalty to the nation.