President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that Indian soldiers had played a significant role in the outcome of World War I, adding that the centenary of the war reminds the world community of the immense loss of life and material that the world had to endure in pursuit of peace and stability.
President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that Indian soldiers had played a significant role in the outcome of World War I, adding that the centenary of the war reminds the world community of the immense loss of life and material that the world had to endure in pursuit of peace and stability.
"The centenary of the First World War is an important landmark in the world history. This occasion reminds the world community of the immense loss of life and material that the world had to endure in pursuit of the world peace and stability. In this effort, the Indian soldiers played an important role in the various theatres of the world. The Indian contribution of a volunteer army to our effort was large in comparison to many other contributing nations," President Mukherjee said while speaking at the inauguration of the Centenary commemorative exhibition on India's Contribution in World War I.
"During the war, Indian soldiers were in active service on virtually every warfront. They carved a niche for themselves by their outstanding loyalty, courage and selfless sacrifice and played a significant role in influencing the outcome of the war. The Allied forces were also in a position to sign and armistice because of the support of the Indian soldiers," he added.
In his speech, the President acknowledged the contribution of the Sikhs, Gorkhas, Garhwali, Dogra, Punjabi, Marathi soldiers in the war.
"One hundred years ago, the world was different. Even though our country was under colonial rule, Indian soldiers etched their name in world history through their bravery and valour. The gallantry of Sikhs and Gorkhas in the battlefield of Gallipoli is well known. So is the bravery of the Garhwali, Dogra, Punjabi and Marathi soldiers who fought in the battlefields of Flanders and Somme. These soldiers not only won the pickets and trenches but also the hearts of the local people," he said.
"It was for the fine soldiers they attributes that by the end of the Great War, the Indian soldiers were decorated with eleven Victoria crosses, five military crosses and numerous other awards. To my mind, these men laid their sacrifices with a sense of pride and righteousness. They need to be recognised and celebrated. Today, we pay our respects and honour to these men," he added.
The President also complimented the Indian Armed Force for its continuous effort to defend the territorial integrity.
"Today, conflicts arising out of pernicious designs of some terror outfits are claiming thousands of valuable lives in many parts of the world. The rise of terrorist entities is a threat to our nations. The armed forces of our nation are capable of meeting all challenges and threats to our national integrity and contribute to world peace and security. We have developed an effective deterrence to defend our territorial integrity. The professionalism which our armed forces display today is continuation of what was so bravely exhibited by the Indian soldiers hundred years ago in the First World War," he said.
In World War I, India contributed a large number of divisions and brigades to the European, Mediterranean and the Middle East theatres of war. Over 10 lakh troops served the British Empire overseas in the course of the war.
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