Online memorial for Indian soldiers in world wars
One of the largest memorials to Indian soldiers who fought in the first and second world wars in Basra, Iraq, is set to go online on April 18 as part of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)’s plans to celebrate its centenary this year.
It will be launched by CWGC’s director-general, Victoria Wallace at the United Service Institution (USI) of India in New Delhi, marking a new emphasis by the organisation in India, where it cares for graves or memorials of over 62,000 people who died in the two world wars. Basra memorial is particularly significant in India’s history. During the First World War, Basra was occupied by the 6th (Poona) Division in November 1914, from which date the town became the base for Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force. Indian casualties of the First World War were buried in the Basra cemetery, but their numbers and names were never recorded. The plots of graves are marked by two memorials, one to Hindu and Sikh soldiers and the other to Muslims.
The Basra Indian Forces Cemetery contains 292 burials of the Second World War.
Wallace said: “The CWGC Basra Memorial commemorates around 40,000 servicemen who died in Iraq during the First World War. Over 36,000 served with the Indian Army”. HTC
Clem Alford, a Glasgowborn sitar artiste who has won several accolades in India and the West, gave a virtuoso performance reflecting classical music’s growing popularity in Britain. Alford took to the instrument in the 1960s after being inspired by Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan.
Called a “Scottish Pandit” for his knowledge of Indian classical music, Alford, 70, chose Raga Puriya Kalyan for a detailed and mellifluous exposition (alap, jor, jhala), and concluded the Nehru Centre concert with a delightful Ragamalika (garland of ragas).
Alford, who gained music degrees in India, performed extensively and collaborated with leading musicians there and in the West, is among a growing number of British musicians whose knowledge and virtuosity is acknowledged in the world of Indian classical music.
“All these musicians have spent between 30 and 40 years learning Indian instruments. The popularity of our classical music is also growing now due to sites such as Youtube and Facebook,” Jay Visvadeva, head of Sama Arts Network, a leading cultural organisation, said.
Alford, who has taught hundreds of people at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in London over the years and composed music for some films, told Hindustan Times: “Indian classical music is safe in the hands of the young generation in India. It is growing here too.” He said Ravi Shankar was the man who deserved the most credit for popularising Indian classical music in the west.