The Sikh Military Foundation proudly launched its latest campaign, “The Sikh Subedar – The Sikh Sergeant,” at London’s iconic Punjab Restaurant in Covent Garden. This family-run establishment, founded in 1946 by the great-grandfather of current owner Amrit S Maan OBE, is UK’s oldest Punjabi restaurant. The launch marks a powerful homage to Sikh soldiers who served in both World Wars and is a fitting tribute hosted in a place deeply rooted in Sikh and British history.
The event held at Punjab Restaurant in Covent Garden in the run up to Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day this year to launch the WW1 Sikh Remembrance Campaign. The audiences were addressed by several senior dignitaries from the Armed Forces, including Air Vice Marshall Ranald Munro – also the Armed Forces’ Sikh Champion, Colonel Alaistair Carns MP, Preet Gill MP, Jas Athwal MP and Lord Kulvir Ranger also Patron of the Foundation, and Sardar Gurpreet Singh Anand from the Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha).
The Sikh Subedar campaign features a distinctive silhouette of a Sikh soldier adorned with Sikh faith symbols, including the Dastar (turban), Kes (beard or uncut hair), and Kara (iron bangle). This image, designed to symbolise the resilience, bravery, and spirit of Sikh soldiers, aims to bring awareness to their sacrifices, which are often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. As Satveer Singh Padam, designer of the Sikh Subedar, stated, “This silhouette honours the Sikh Soldier, a timeless symbol of courage, honour, and sacrifice. It embodies a legacy of strength and resilience.”
The event brought together community members, historians, and supporters who celebrated the Sikh soldiers’ contributions, with approximately 84,000 Sikhs having laid down their lives in the two World Wars. Major Dal Singh Virdee MBE VR, Chair of the Sikh Military Foundation, expressed his hope that this campaign would inspire both remembrance and future generations of Sikhs to serve in the Armed Forces.
For Amrit S Maan OBE, the significance of hosting this launch at his family’s historic restaurant was deeply personal. “To have the Sikh Subedar campaign launch at Punjab Restaurant means everything to me and my family,” said Maan. “This restaurant was established by my grandfather and has been a part of London’s cultural landscape for nearly 80 years. It is an honour to use this space to remember and celebrate the bravery of Sikh soldiers. Their legacy is a source of pride for the Sikh community and for all of us who value freedom and peace.”
The Sikh Subedar campaign will reach far and wide through social media @SikhSubedar on Instagram, X, and Facebook (#SikhSubedar) and will include educational outreach, merchandise, and events to raise awareness and engage the wider community in honouring Sikh soldiers’ legacy. The Sikh Military Foundation encourages everyone to participate in this campaign to keep alive the spirit of service and remembrance.
