PU holds lecture on role of Indian soldiers in World War I

CHANDIGARH: The department of history,

Panjab University

, organized a lecture on the “Role of Indian Soldiers in World War I” here on Wednesday. Director, Alliance Française de Chandigarh and a historian

Dominiquie Waag

on Wednesday delivered the lecture.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair Professor, PU, Lt General K J Singh presided over the function. The speaker and the chief guest were welcomed by PU chairperson, department of History, Prof Sukhmani Bal Riar.

On the basis of meticulously collected archival material including old newspapers, post cards, paintings and private collections Waag gave a pictorial presentation on the Indian soldiers who fought in World War I in

France

. The different facets of the soldier’s life and experiences were documented. These included depictions of the soldiers on field, military camps as well as cooking and eating, leisure activities and memorials erected in their honour in Europe. Some rare photographs of

Maharaja Bhupender Singh

of

Patiala

who gave a lot of funds to the troops abroad were also shown. Prior to the presentation he stated that the topic aroused his interest when he was a child and he heard his grandparents talk about the Indian soldiers in France.

When he got posted to India in 2013, he decided to work on the subject. The lecture was a wonderful example of fusion of two cultures Indian and French. Lt General K J Singh while giving his presidential remarks stressed on the very important role of Indian soldiers in World War I.