Saragarhi Foundation holds 129th anniversary commemoration for 21 Martyrs at Amritsar’s Golden Gate
Kulwinder Singh
Amritsar (Punjab), September 13, 2026: The Saragarhi Foundation organised a commemorative programme at the memorial of the 21 Saragarhi martyrs at Amritsar’s Golden Gate to mark the 129th anniversary of the historic battle.
The annual event was organised under the leadership of Saragarhi Foundation chief Gurinder Pal Singh Josan, who travelled from the United States to attend the commemoration.
Amritsar Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia attended the event as the chief guest. Saragarhi Foundation members and Mangal Singh Kishanpuri, director of St Soldier Elite Convent School, Jandiala Guru, also participated.
Cadets of the school’s NCC wing paid tribute to the 21 martyrs. The students also presented Gurbani kirtan and a patriotic song. The programme concluded with the national anthem.
Speaking to reporters, Josan highlighted his research into the lives and families of the Saragarhi martyrs. He said he had traced the families of the 21 soldiers and commissioned portraits based on historical descriptions so that their legacy and sacrifice could be better recognised across the world.
Josan also expressed dissatisfaction with institutions and governments over what he described as inadequate efforts to preserve and promote the history of Saragarhi.
He said that around four years ago, he had submitted a draft based on his research to the Chief Khalsa Diwan for inclusion in the curriculum for Classes 4 and 8. According to Josan, he was assured that the material would be incorporated into the school syllabus. However, when he followed up last year, he learned that the research draft had been handed over to religious figures associated with a kar seva organisation.
Josan said he was disappointed that the research had not been published despite four years having passed. He stressed that the research had been undertaken by him and that the Chief Khalsa Diwan, which he described as a prominent Sikh educational institution, had not yet published it.
Referring to efforts to preserve Sikh history beyond Punjab, Josan said a museum dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s general Hari Singh Nalwa was established in Pakistan in January 2026, where a statue was installed and the facility was inaugurated by ministers and officials there.
He also spoke about his efforts to document sites associated with Guru Nanak Sahib’s Udasis, saying Nishan Sahib flags had been installed at places in Azerbaijan, Iraq and other regions associated with the Guru’s travels.
Mayor Jatinder Singh Moti Bhatia said Punjabis had always come forward whenever there was a need to contribute to struggles and causes in India and around the world.
Recalling the Battle of Saragarhi, Bhatia said the 21 soldiers fought with limited weapons and ammunition against a much larger tribal force before laying down their lives in battle. He praised Josan’s efforts to document the martyrs and their families, saying the initiative had helped people around the world learn about the 21 Saragarhi soldiers and their families.
Bhatia also stressed the need to properly maintain the memorial at Golden Gate, saying memorials are often constructed but are not adequately looked after afterwards. He assured that the Amritsar administration would pay special attention to the upkeep of the Saragarhi memorial.
Mangal Singh Kishanpuri said his institution consistently worked to connect students with Punjab’s history. He said that after receiving an invitation from Josan, he and his team participated in the commemoration and appreciated his efforts to preserve the history and legacy of the Saragarhi martyrs.