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Italians honor Sikh soldiers for their role in freedom struggle
Officials praised their bravery and sacrifice in helping liberate parts of Italy during the war.
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Prabhjot Paul Singh - Sun, 09, Nov 2025
- 21:19 EST
- 82
The local commune paid tribute to the Indian soldiers—particularly the Sikh troops—who fought against invading German forces. Man in brown (Coca-Cola colour) turban is Prithipal Singh, President of the World Sikh (Martyr) Soldiers Memorial Committee. / Prabhjot Paul Singh
The small Italian village of Teodosio marked its 81st Independence Day this week, honoring the contributions of Sikh soldiers who fought during World War II. Members of the World Sikh (Martyrs) Soldiers Memorial Committee were invited as guests of honor at a simple but moving flag-hoisting ceremony.
The local commune paid tribute to the Indian soldiers—particularly the Sikh troops—who fought against invading German forces. Officials praised their bravery and sacrifice in helping liberate parts of Italy during the war.
Prithipal Singh, president of the World Sikh (Martyrs) Soldiers Memorial Committee, attended the ceremony with fellow members Sewa Singh, Satnam Singh, Darshan Singh, and Dalip Singh Dipo. The group, many of whom have ties to British Army regiments that served in Italy, now works to preserve Sikh memorials across the country.
Following a traditional Ardas prayer led by Prithipal Singh, Teodosio Mayor Jioni Revali recalled how Sikh soldiers helped stop the advance of German troops and played a key role in freeing the region from occupation.
Prithipal Singh noted that while the exact number of Sikh soldiers who fought in the area remains under research, records confirm that at least three Sikh soldiers lost their lives in a major battle on Nov. 6, 1944—the day Teodosio was liberated. The town now observes that date each year as its Independence Day.
Residents believe the three soldiers were killed during a mine-clearing operation on a bridge. The people of Teodosio continue to honor their memory, along with the many Indian soldiers who fought and died far from home. “Even if their names have not reached us, their actions have never been forgotten,” locals said during the ceremony. “Beginning Sept. 26, they played a key role in the liberation of our valley, engaging German troops, pushing them back to the plains, and freeing the mountain ridges surrounding Teodosio.”
According to Prithipal Singh, the World Sikh (Martyrs) Soldiers Memorial Committee continues to work closely with Italian authorities to establish memorials to Sikh soldiers across Italy. Several of these monuments have already been unveiled, he said.
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