Members of the Western Australian Sikh community converged on Kings Park last month to celebrate the centenary of the death of one of Australia’s earliest Indian soldiers.
Private Nain Singh Sailani joined the Australian Imperial Force on February 7, 1916.
He was 43-years-old at the time and unmarried and on June 6 that year embarked on HMAT Suevic en route to the Western Front.
Less than one year later on June 1, 1917, he was killed near Flanders and buried at the small town of Ploegsteert in Belgium.
He was one of 19 Indians known to have served in the Australian Imperial Force in the First World War and Sikh Association of WA President Gurdashan Singh Kailley said the story had not been uncovered until recently.
“We came to find out where he lived,” he said.
“There is an untold story for us.
“It was a really good moment to feel proud of him, even when people come from overseas we belong to this land.”
He said through the First and Second World Wars Sikhs had received more than 32 Victorian Crosses, which was more medals than any individual country has received.
The Sikh Association of WA only found out about Mr Sailani’s death anniversary ten days before and Mr Kailley thanked Member for Jandakot Yaz Mubarakai, the Returned Services League and the Department of Parks for their prompt approval and support of the event.
Mr Mubarakai attended the ceremony and said it was an honour to be invited.
“Mr Sailani can be proudly remembered as a pioneer of the Indian migrant community in Western Australia, a true Indian warrior and a great Australian soldier,” he said.
“WA is so culturally diverse and it is great to share this piece of uncovered history, which is a prime example of highlighting the significant contribution of our migrant populations.
“I hope we can continue celebrating many such findings from all over our diverse state to bring understanding to our current and future generations.”
The Sikh Association of WA was hosting an open day on July 2 at its temple in Canning Vale and was inviting everybody to come along.
The temple is located at 280 Shreeve Road, Canning Vale.
