Cabinet Minister Khudian, four MLAs pay homage to 21 Saragarhi heroes in Ferozepur
Ferozepur, September 12, 2026: Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Saturday paid homage to the 21 brave Sikh soldiers who laid down their lives while defending the Saragarhi post against thousands of Afghan tribal fighters on September 12, 1897.
The minister visited Gurudwara Saragarhi Sahib, where a state-level function was organised by the Punjab Government to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Battle of Saragarhi. He also honoured the family members of the soldiers who were martyred in the battle.
Addressing the gathering after the bhog of the Akhand Path Sahib, Khudian described the Battle of Saragarhi as an unparalleled example of bravery, dedication, discipline and loyalty to duty. He said the 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment fought against a vastly larger force of around 10,000 Afghan tribesmen and continued to resist the enemy even after their ammunition ran out.
He said the supreme sacrifice of the 21 soldiers had created an enduring chapter of courage, honour and sacrifice in history and would continue to inspire generations.
Khudian said the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, was making efforts to connect the younger generation with the state's glorious historical heritage. He said the Saragarhi War Memorial at Ferozepur was built to commemorate the historic battle and honour the Sikh soldiers, most of whom had links with the Ferozepur region.
He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the martyrs of Saragarhi and imbibe the values of patriotism, courage, discipline, dedication and loyalty to duty.
MLAs Ranbir Singh Bhullar, Rajnish Dahiya, Fauja Singh Sarari and Naresh Kataria also paid tributes to the martyrs.
Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Deepashikha Sharma, SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, ADC Dr Amandeep Kaur, SDM Ferozepur Abhishek Sharma, GOC Major General Ranjit Singh Manral and Deputy GOC Brigadier Y.S. Sajwan, besides other civil, military and political representatives and a large number of devotees.