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Scots Celebrate Two Bravehearts

by STEPHEN ROBERTSON

 

 

An event to celebrate the 300th anniversary of a heroic battle involving a Sikh Braveheart takes place in Stirling (Scotland) next week.

The second historic Scottish-Sikh gathering will remember the life of Banda Singh Bahadar (1670-1716), the Sikh equivalent of William Wallace.

This year marks 300 years of a victory by the Sikh Braveheart in a major battle against the Mughal empire. The iconic Battle of Sirhand, which took place in 1710, marked the beginning of Sikh independence. It equates with the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

The event in Stirling will comprise of talks, bagpipes, turban tying, historic Sikh and Scottish sword combat and traditional Sikh food. Scottish and Sikh speakers will contribute to this second historic celebration of the culture and history of the two nations.

In September 2005, Sikhs joined the Clan Wallace in the historic 700-year anniversary gathering in Lanark to celebrate the William Wallace Homecoming.

Jagdeesh Singh, of the Sikh Community Action Network, said: "This is a celebration of history, culture, bravery and struggle, epitomised in the history of two nations.

"Sikhs and Scots have similar experiences of struggle against mighty powers. Our inspiring histories are decorated with courage, resistance and Bravehearts.

"We want to share and exchange the captivating magic and excitement of our histories."

Jagdeesh continued: "Banda Singh Bahadar and William Wallace are two lead figures whose vigorous fight and personal sacrifice for the freedom of their nations, places them side by side.

"Though at different stages of history, their actions, objectives and gruesome public executions, are identical."

Speakers at the event will include Elspeth King, director of the Stirling Smith; Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling; Seoras Wallace, chief of the Clan Wallace; and Bill Kidd, MSP for Glasgow.

The event, which is open to the public, is at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday, September 4, 2010, between noon and 4pm.

 

[Courtesy: The Sterling Observer]

August 26, 2010

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