A special Remembrance event in Edinburgh has honoured the wartime service of South Asian soldiers, highlighting their often-overlooked contribution to Britain’s military history.
Held at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory today, November 3, the event brought together members of Scotland’s South Asian community to commemorate those who served during the First and Second World Wars.
It formed part of the wider Forgotten Army exhibition programme, which is touring Scotland until 2027, and was organised by British Future, the Royal British Legion and Scottish heritage organisation Colourful Heritage.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Forgotten Army exhibition, take part in a guided tour of the Poppy Factory and hear presentations from British Future and Colourful Heritage about South Asian military heritage in Scotland.
Families of those who served were among those sharing personal stories, helping to highlight the legacy of South Asian military service and its place in Scotland’s shared history.
The event also promoted the My Family Legacy campaign, which encourages people to discover, document and share their family histories of service during the world wars.
The Forgotten Army exhibition, created by artist Mahtab Hussain, explores the experiences and contributions of South Asian soldiers from diverse faith backgrounds.
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Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, said: "As we mark this Remembrance Sunday, we must never forget what we all owe to those who stood against fascism and won the Second World War.
"South Asian soldiers formed the largest volunteer army in history, and ensuring their immense contribution is fully recognised in our national story remains vital work still in progress.
"Through My Family Legacy, we aim to help people discover, document, and share their family stories of courage, contribution, service, and sacrifice in the world wars.
"In doing so, we show how our traditions of Remembrance can unite today’s modern, diverse Britain – bringing us together ever more powerfully as we honour all who served to secure the freedoms we enjoy today."
Dr Saqib Razzaq, head of research at Colourful Heritage, said: "The Forgotten Army tour is an important opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of 4 million multi-faith Sikh, Muslim and Hindu South Asian soldiers who helped shape Britain’s history during both World Wars, but whose stories have too often been overlooked.
"Their story is not just a South Asian story or a military story; it is part of Scotland’s shared history.
"Bringing these histories to audiences across Scotland helps ensure that the contributions of these soldiers are remembered, recognised and passed on to future generations."
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