UK PM Rishi Sunak honours 'Points of Light' award to 101-year-old Sikh World War II veteran

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• Jun 29, 2023 | Poonam Nath

During a ceremony held to honour U.K.-India Week 2023, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak presented the Points of Light award...

Digital Desk: At a UK-India Week ceremony at 10 Downing Street, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak presented Rajindar Singh Dhatt, one of the last remaining Sikh troops who served in World War II, with a Points of Light accolade.

On June 28, Mr Dhatt, 101, was honoured for his contributions and his work leading the "Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen's Association" to unite British Indian war veterans.

Born in pre-Partition India in 1921, Mr Dhatt has lived in Hounslow, southwest London, since 1963. He served in the Allied forces during the British colonial era.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for appreciating the value and impact of the "Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen's Association," Mr Dhatt said. "It is an immense honour to receive this recognition from the Prime Minister," he added.

"As an ex-serviceman, I had a strong sense of obligation to start this organisation to create friendship, support, and solidarity. This honour recognises the innumerable people who have worked nonstop over the years to further the association's development and success, he said.

"Their unwavering commitment and selfless service has played a pivotal role in bringing about positive change in the lives of our ex-servicemen and their families," he continued.

During the Second World War, Mr Dhatt joined the British Indian Army. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning a promotion to sergeant major in 1943.

Later, as reported by Downing Street, he was enlisted in the Far East battle to fight in northeast India's Kohima to support the Allied Forces and aid in the overthrow of the Japanese defences. Mr Dhatt travelled back to India following the war before relocating to London with his family.

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Dhatt's organisation primarily established an online forum for veterans where members may connect and share personal tales and publications. Additionally, Dhatt continues to share his story through lesson plans and online resources while speaking at memorial gatherings and working with war veteran charities, including the Royal British Legion and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

Even as he approaches his 102nd birthday, Dhatt said receiving the honour is a "momentous occasion" that motivates him to keep making significant contributions to society.

Mr. Dhatt's honour coincided with a Downing Street reception celebrating India Global Forum's UK-India Week celebration of the bilateral relationship, at which Prime Minister Sunak described Mr Dhatt as an "incredible man" and thanked him for his service as a "living bridge" member of the Indian diaspora.