To say that Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is obsessed with his work towards the initiative Bharat Ke Veer (BKV) is not an exaggeration. The portal is the brainchild of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and is aimed at providing monetary help to the families of India’s bravehearts who have sacrificed their lives for the country. Akshay’s involvement with BKV is deep-rooted and personal. So, it comes as no surprise that he has decided to dedicate his next release, Kesari, which is directed by Anurag Singh to the martyrs.
While he is not comfortable actually discussing his involvement because he feels actions should speak louder than words, he says, “My producers and I are happy to dedicate Kesari, based on the Battle of Saragarhi, the second bravest battle ever fought, to Bharat Ke Veer. It is a film that showcases valour and the highest degree of desh bhakti. It is a befitting tribute to our soldiers, who have laid down their lives for the nation.”
REHABILITATION OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS
One also hears that Akshay has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to see if part of the BKV funds can be utilised for the rehabilitation of soldiers who have been wounded in war. A source adds, “While the families of martyrs currently receive help, the authorities are studying the possibility of providing monetary help to the men in uniform who suffer injuries. After all, there are many who find it hard to earn a livelihood because of a lost limb or other health ailments. If this happens, it will mean more soldiers will get looked after by the establishment.”
BATTLE OF SARAGARHI’S AUSTRALIAN CONNECTION
In the Battle of Saragarhi, which was fought on September 12, 1897, 21 Sikh soldiers guarded their post from around 12,000 Pashtun tribals for many days. This remarkable feat was noted by the international press. Saragarhi was a small rocky outpost situated between Fort Gulistan (Cavagnari) and Fort Lockhart in the North West Frontier Province, now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. Led by Ishar Singh, the valiant soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment fought unto their last breath in 1897. News travelled fast and many Australian newspapers reported the event.
The Sydney Morning Herald, The Hobart Mercury and Brisbane Courier published detailed reports about the bravery of the men at the post. The press Down Under took note of this because Major Charles Des Voeux, a British officer who was second-in-command of the regiment, lauded the efforts of the sepoys. He said, “They died fighting like demons.” He and his band of soldiers went on to defend the ensuing attack on Fort Gulistan, despite a siege that went on for three days. A letter written by Major Des Voeux on September 18, 1897, describing the siege of Fort Gulistan, was later published by the Brisbane Courier Mail, highlighting the effort of the Sikh soldiers.
Kesari, produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Aruna Bhatia, Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Sunir Kheterpal and presented by Zee Studios, releases on March 21.
