A street in the City of Perth has been renamed in honour of Indian-Australian Anzac Private Nain Singh Sailani, following a personal request from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The renaming of Nelson Avenue, in East Perth, to Sailani Avenue has been deliberately timed to coincide with Mr Modi's visit to Australia.
Members of Perth's Indian community, including veterans of the Indian Defence Forces and the Sikh History Association, came to honour Private Sailani, who was killed in action on the western front in 1917, and to admire the new street sign.
Private Sailani had migrated from India to Australia in 1895 as a 22-year-old and initially lived in the town of Geraldton, about 400 kilometres north of Perth, where he found work as a labourer.
The outbreak of the First World War saw Private Sailani enlist at Claremont, in Perth, in February 1916 with C company of the 44th infantry battalion in the Australian Imperial Force.
He was one of 12 Indian Australians who are known to have enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force during WWI.
Private Sailani and Private Sarn Singh were the only Indian soldiers known to have been killed in action while serving as members of the AIF.
Up to 15,000 Indians fought with the allied troops at Gallipoli and historians believe almost 1,400 lost lost their lives on the peninsula.
Killed in action
After basic training, Private Sailani served with his unit in France and was one of two Indian-Australian diggers killed in action on June 1, 1917.
The battalion sustained a total of 22 casualties that day, during a trench raid on German lines.
According to a plaque honouring the fallen at Kings Park in Perth, he died at Pont de Nieppe, not far from the town of Lille and very close to the Belgian border, aged 44.
Private Sailani was buried at the Strand Military Cemetery in Belgium alongside other Australian soldiers.
He received the British War Medal, Victory Medal and the 1914/15 Star in recognition of his service.
Indian Consul General of India in Western Australia, Amarjeet Singh Takhi, said Prime Minister Modi had discussed Private Sailani with past Australian prime ministers and the renaming pointed to close bilateral ties.
"Sailani Avenue memorialises an important historical link between India and Australia," he said.
"This also acknowledges the important contribution that the people of India have made to the Western Australian history and helps to ensure the story continues to be told for years to come."
Recognising 'diverse Anzac history'
Lands Minister John Carey said the renamed street honoured all the Indian-Australians who fought for Australia in WW1.
"This is a brilliant opportunity to recognise our diverse Anzac history," Mr Carey said.
"The contribution made by Australian Indians to our world war effort and it's a perfect spot in a high-profile location."
Sailani Avenue is adjacent to the WACA cricket ground, and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said that was appropriate.
"Many of the great Indian cricketers Sunil Ganaraska, Kapil Dev the great Sachin Tendulkar have played right here," he said.
"And so to have the name, Private Sailani honoured with Sailani Avenue adjacent to the WACA, it just feels right it's the right place."
Migrants 'stepped up' for Australia
Mr Zempilas said Private Sailani's commitment to his new country was not uncommon among migrants arriving in Australia.
"They realised that Australia had given them a new life and when they were called into action to fight for their new home, they immediately stepped up, such as the impact that their new home had made on them," he said.
Nelson Avenue was chosen to be renamed because there is also Nelson Crescent in Perth, named after the British admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, and so one would still remain.
