Sikh soldiers who fought for the British Armed Forces will be honoured by the Royal British Legion through the showcasing of the ‘Khanda' — an important symbol in Sikhism — in this year's fundraising Poppy Appeal. The Legion is the U.K.'s leading charity organisation that provides financial, social and emotional support to those who have served in the BAF, and their dependants.
The Poppy Appeal is an annual fundraiser organised by the Legion, and is held on ‘Remembrance Sunday'.
On November 13, the Khanda will join the Christian cross, the Jewish Star of David and the Muslim Crescent in this year's Appeal in Leicestershire — which has a significant Sikh population.
The Khanda — a symbol made up of a solid circle, two interlocked swords and a double-edged sword — will be on sale alongside poppies and the other wooden emblems.
Jennifer Leach, in charge of the fundraiser in Leicestershire and Rutland, told the local media: “We have had representations from the Sikh community nationally and locally and we felt it was time to produce the Khanda.”
“We are very happy to be able to mark the sacrifices which have been made by Sikh soldiers who have fought and died in the British Army.”
Resham Singh Sandhu, the High Sheriff of Leicestershire and the first Sikh to hold the post, said he was delighted by the inclusion of the Khanda. Mr. Sandhu said it was “a wonderful way to celebrate the bravery of all the Sikh soldiers who have served the British Army with such distinction.”
