10-05-2025
Call to build war memorial at Glasgow's Kelvingrove Museum
The memorial would be built in the grounds of Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to commemorate the sacrifices and contributions of British Indian Army (BIA) soldiers to the Allied war effort.
This comes after a successful eight-year campaign by the charity Colourful Heritage.
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The charity has said that tens of thousands of pounds are now needed in order to fulfil the project.
The organisation has been striving for greater recognition of the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and others from various of nations who fought in the world wars.
Around 89,000 BIA soldiers lost their lives in the Second World War.
Dr Saqib Razzaq, project officer and head of research at Colourful Heritage, said: "Millions of soldiers from South Asia including present-day Pakistan, India & Bangladesh fought alongside British troops to defend our democracy, and their legacy must never be forgotten.
"It is fit and proper that Scotland has a national memorial to all faiths of the British Indian Army, reminding future generations about Scotland's diverse history and the importance of inclusivity."
The proposed memorial in Glasgow, which implements ideas from more than 100 young people in Scotland, will include a chattri (dome) design for the roof and natural stone columns to match Kelvingrove's architecture.
It is anticipated to cost around £270,000 to build, with around £60,000 raised so far.
Rear Admiral (rtd) Mark Beverstock, president of Poppy Scotland, said: "The ambitious plan for a lasting memorial in Glasgow to the brave men of the British Indian Army, a potent force that had grown to over 2.5 million men by the end of the war, would provide a lasting focal point to honour their sacrifice."
Politicians from across Holyrood have also thrown their weight behind the campaign.
Humza Yousaf, SNP MSP for Glasgow Pollok and former First Minister, said: "As nations across Europe come together to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, it is crucial that we do not forget the incredible sacrifices of 2.4 million soldiers who made up the British Indian Army during World War Two.
"Almost 90,000 soldiers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms; we must not air brush their contribution from history."
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Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader and MSP for Glasgow, said: "The VE Day anniversary is a fitting moment to recognise the contribution of soldiers from the British Indian Army in the Second World War.
"Tens of thousands of young men from different faiths travelled halfway around the world to answer Britain's call, and these soldiers must never be forgotten.
"Eighty years on, a memorial in Glasgow would stand as a permanent reminder to Scots whose ancestors are from India or Pakistan that they have a stake in our country's proud history."
Pam Gosal, Scottish conservative MSP for West Scotland, said: "Commemorating those who gave their lives in both world wars is something we are all passionate about, and is something both Scotland and the UK does very well.
"But it's also right that we can remember the many South Asian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"The campaign has my full support."
