The Prime Minister Theresa May has recognised a local historian who has been helping Brighton to remember its Indian war heroes.
Mrs May has announced a Points of Light award to Davinder Dhillon for his work as the chairman of the Chattri Memorial Group.
He is a key figure in organising the annual interfaith service at the Chattri memorial on the South Downs just north of Patcham every June.
It brings together 500 people from Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities and commemorates the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who served in the First World War.
After being injured in the fighting they were brought to Brighton for treatment – at the Royal Pavilion which was turned into a makeshift hospital – but dozens lost their lives.
The Chattri memorial was placed at the site where 53 Hindu and Sikh soldiers were cremated. Twenty one Muslim men were buried in Woking, in Surrey.
The mayor, the lord lieutenant and various groups, such as the Scouts, lay wreaths in remembrance at the Chattri each year.
And throughout the year Mr Dhillon also raises awareness of the contribution made by the soldiers.
His efforts have inspired Sikh, Hindu and Muslim people around the country to create their own memorials, such as the Peace Garden in Woking.
Mr Dhillon is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
Each day someone somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
In a personal letter to Mr Dhillon, the Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Your work with the Chattri Memorial Group is invaluable in bringing together the community to commemorate the lives and work of the Indian soldiers who died in the First World War.”
Mr Dhillon said: “I feel very privileged to receive the Points of Light award.
“The enormous Indian contribution to the First World War has not been fully recognised and I am honoured, with a small team of volunteers, to be part of the process of remembering those Indian combatants and non-combatants who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“I am very grateful that my role in this annual act of remembrance has been acknowledged.”
Mr Dhillon is the 725th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the America.
I would love to attend the memorial service in June 19.This coming Sunday (November 11th) I shall have a particular quiet thought for the Indian foot soldiers who fought probably unknowingly to make my life exist as it is to this day. My Father was a Sikh man and I used to stare at his Father’s Ww1 medal he kept at pride of place in his cabinet.
Thank you Davinder for sharing your knowledge with me and recognising our Grandfather and his generation who fought alongside each other,
Your cousin Jessy