Leicester made history by celebrating the first ever International Jassa Singh Ahluwalia Memorial Day at the city’s Guru Amar Das Gurdwara
The landmark event was held on Sunday (November 16), in memory of one of Sikhism’s most influential 18th-century leaders, who was known for his leadership, compassion and unifying vision.
Organised by the Brits Desi Society, and opened by Shockat Adam, MP for Leicester South, it drew guests from across the UK, India, Africa, and Europe, uniting people from multiple faiths and cultural backgrounds.
Shokat Adam, MP for Leicester South was honoured to open the event.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
“The community celebrating such a great leader in the Sikh community is a lesson for us today. We are living in very difficult times but when we have wisdom, when we have collaboration and when we have strength in unity, the lessons from 300 years ago can be practiced today,” he said.
“Our Sikh community – our Sikh brothers and sisters are a vital part of our communities and it’s a real honour to be here today.”
The gurdwara was filled as community members, dignitaries, and international visitors attended the commemoration. Special guests included the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leicester, representatives from the Consulate General of India, Gurcharan Singh Gill (Advocate General, Jaipur), and Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia (Spiritual Leader and Chairman, GNNSJ).
The event featured prayers, kirtan, speeches, and the highly anticipated launch of The Warrior Saint — the first volume of a new biography documenting the life and legacy of Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.
For author and Brits Desi Society founder Rishu Walia, who traces his family lineage to Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, the day was filled with deep personal significance.
“Today is a very special and very proud day for me, for my family, and especially for the Sikh community,” he said. “Leicester is our hometown, and with its diverse communities it felt like the right place to begin this annual celebration. Next year it may be London or Birmingham — wherever Jassa Singh Ahluwalia’s message leads us.”
Walia spoke passionately about growing up hearing stories of the Sikh leader from his grandfather.
“His legacy is emotional for me. He sacrificed so much for unity. In his kingdom, people of all faiths were welcome — there was no discrimination. His greatest achievement was unity in diversity, and that’s exactly what we as the Brits Desi Society stand for.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
He emphasised the need for younger generations to reconnect with Sikh history.
“I don’t think young people know enough about him,” he said. “But the more his name is spoken, the more they search and learn. Our biography project aims to change that — Volume One is out today, Volume Two is planned for next year, and Volume Three for 2027. In 2028, we plan to celebrate his 310th birth anniversary.”
Keynote speakers highlighted Jassa Singh Ahluwalia’s pivotal role in uniting the Sikh misls and establishing Sikh sovereignty in Punjab, as well as his courageous rescue of thousands of Maratha women from Afghan captivity in 1761 — the act that earned him the title Bandi Chhor (Liberator).
More importantly, many emphasised that his message extends far beyond Sikh history.
“The majority of Sikhs around the world know very little about him,” one speaker said. “This event is vital in reviving his importance. The book launched today will not only inform Sikhs, but also people of other faiths and communities. His leadership was for everyone.”
Shri Gurcharan Singh Gill, Advocate General of Rajasthan, was among many who came from India for the occasion. He expressed strong support for the initiative.
“For a long time I have recognised Jassa Singh Ahluwalia as a national hero,” he said. “Any organisation taking steps to honour him will always have our cooperation. When I received the invitation, I immediately accepted.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The memorial marked not only a celebration of the past but the beginning of an ambitious ongoing project to educate, preserve, and share Sikh history across Britain.
“The message for the younger generation is simple,” Walia concluded. “We must remember our heroes. Learning about them makes our community stronger. Their message teaches us to live together and grow together.”
As guests departed, copies of The Warrior Saint in hand, organisers described the day as a milestone — the first of many years of remembrance to come, and a new chapter for Leicester’s multi-faith community spirit.
