A memorial which recognises the contributions and sacrifices of South Asian soldiers who fought and died alongside the British army during the world wars is set to be built at Kelvingrove Park.
Glasgow's South Asian community have welcomed the project after planning permission was approved.
Planning permission was granted to build Scotland's first permanent memorial commemorating the bravery of soldiers from South Asia, including Pakistan and India.
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Scotland does not have a permanent memorial to recognise the four million soldiers that fought gallantly during WW1 & 2 from the British Indian Army (BIA).
This consisted of Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and Christians as well as the Gurkhas who fought for Britain alongside British troops. More than 160,000 of them sacrificed their lives and over 250,000 were injured.
Scotland has a special connection with the BIA through a Muslim Service Corps called ‘Force K6’ that stayed in the country after being evacuated from Dunkirk during WW2. Fourteen of them died whilst in Scotland with nine of them buried in Kingussie Cemetery.
In 1939 the British Indian Army numbered 205,000 men. It took in volunteers and by 1945 was the largest all-volunteer force in history, rising to over 3.35 million men. These soldiers are often referred to as being part of the ‘Unknown Army’ of WW2.
The Glasgow memorial will be built within the grounds of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Furrah Riaz's grandad served as a mechanic during WW2 and was stationed in Burma before he moved to Glasgow and operated a greengrocer in Finnieston.
The helpline programme manager for AMINA - The Muslim Women’s Resource Centre - told Glasgow Live: "Amina MWRC would support a memorial being built in remembrance of the South Asian soldiers who served in the British Army during the World Wars.
"The memorial would help to cement the contribution of South Asian soldiers who gave their lives to the British Empire, a fact which is often overlooked when examining British history.
"My maternal grandfather travelled most of the world with the British Navy and eventually landed in Ireland where he helped build the railways. He then moved to Scotland where later his family joined him, he owned and operated a greengrocer in Finnieston, Glasgow and lived in Scotland until his passing in 2019."
Omar Afzal, from Glasgow, said the memorial is "long overdue".
He said: “The story of the contribution of South East Asians to the war effort is still relatively unknown here, and in particular our Scottish connection through Force K6. These are fascinating stories which are intrinsic to the history of modern Europe - it is so important we tell that story; and in the inclusive way it deserves.
"This memorial will help us do justice to that story, and give Scots of South Asian heritage a greater sense of identity and belonging. It is long overdue- I’m delighted it’s coming to Glasgow and pay tribute to those who campaigned tirelessly for it."
Nadeem Ishaque, one of the founders of Glasgow's Urban Youth Project, added: "Self- Identity and feeling you have a sense of belonging is important for the children, young people and families from South Asian Communities.
"This memorial provides BAME communities with acknowledgement that their heritage in this country is not overlooked and has meaning.
"It is important these South Asian Soldiers are recognised for their service and dedicated their lives in the military away from their home country."
The memorial will include a chattri (dome) design for the roof and natural stone columns to match the museum’s famous architecture.
The final design adopts ideas sent in by more than 100 young people from across Scotland and will have a digital aspect to engage younger generations as part of education visits.
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