Indian World War 1 soldiers remembered at The Oval
LONDON: Captains Virat Kohli and Joe Root wore a unique poppy, the symbol of remembrance and hope, made from ‘khadi’ on the first day of the fifth Test on Friday to remember the thousands of Indian soldiers who died in the First World War.
The initiative was part of the Royal British Legion’s efforts to thank all those who served and sacrificed in the war.
Kohli and Root were the first to wear the poppy that will be unveiled on Sunday at a special match day hosted by Surrey Country Cricket Club.
Initiated by Jitesh Gadhia, member of the House of Lords, and commissioned by the Royal British Legion to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, the red cloth poppy is identical to the traditional British symbol of remembrance.
More than 1.3 million Indian soldiers served in the First World War across multiple continents, from the Somme to the Sahara, and over 74,000 lost their lives. They fought with courage and distinction, with 11 individuals awarded the Victoria Cross.
“The khadi poppy is a hugely symbolic and highly appropriate gesture to recognise the contribution of Indian soldiers during World War One. It will also send an important signal to young Asians growing up in Britain”, said Gadhia.
“Our identity is our destiny and so third and fourth generation Asians should know that their fathers and grandfathers didn’t just come to Britain as immigrants. Our ancestors fought for this country and for freedom and democracy, even though they lived in a colony at the time”.
Charles Bryne, director-general of the Royal British Legion, added: “This centenary of the ending of the First World War is a chance for us all the thank the British armed forces who fought and gave their lives, but also to the thousands who fought alongside them from India and across today’s Commonwealth”.