The British Indian Army Memorial
Scotland’s first permanent memorial to recognise the service and sacrifice of over 4 million soldiers of the British Indian Army
We Need Your Support!
We’re raising £270,000 to build Scotland’s first National Memorial to honour the British Indian Army, and we would LOVE your support! Please donate generously by pressing the button, or clicking HERE!
We Aim for the Memorial to Represent:
Diversity
The diversity of all the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Gurkhas and more who fought alongside British troops in World War I and II.
A Special Link
The special link between Scotland and Force K6, the all-Muslim Punjabi regiment that escaped from Dunkirk during WW2, and made their way to Scotland.
Selfless Commitment
The key values of selfless commitment and respect for others, epitomised by Isobel Harling BEM, who tended to the Force K6 graves in Kingussie for over 70 years.
Take a look at some examples of Memorials from around the World
Engagements & Updates
BIA Memorial Brick Laying Ceremony
A ‘Ceremonial brick laying event’ was held by Colourful Heritage for the upcoming Scotland’s first British Indian Army (BIA) Memorial’ which will be built on the external grounds of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers mainly from India, Pakistan & Bangladesh who were mainly from the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh faiths.
During Remembrance, The BBC One show featured film footage for the ceremonial brick laying of the BIA memorial to be built outside Kelvingrove Art Galleries in Glasgow and shared the many fascinating stories of personal connections to the BIA. Watch the clip now!
BIA Memorial Brick Laying Ceremony
A ‘Ceremonial brick laying event’ was held by Colourful Heritage for the upcoming Scotland’s first British Indian Army (BIA) Memorial’ which will be built on the external grounds of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers mainly from India, Pakistan & Bangladesh who were mainly from the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh faiths.
During Remembrance, The BBC One show featured film footage for the ceremonial brick laying of the BIA memorial to be built outside Kelvingrove Art Galleries in Glasgow and shared the many fascinating stories of personal connections to the BIA. Watch the clip now!
Motion passed celebrating the BIA Memorial at Glasgow City Council (2025)
A motion was put forward by Bailie Paul McCabe and seconded by Councillor Zen Ghani to Glasgow City Council celebrating the overall work of Colourful Heritage in preserving South Asian & Muslim history in Scotland. The motion also highlighted our efforts towards building Scotland’s first National British Indian Army memorial outside Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow along with the associated educational work we have been doing in schools.
The successful motion had widespread support from many Councillors including Dr Soryia Siddique, Martha Wardrop, Elaine Gallagher, Eva Murray, Rashid Hussain, Ruairi Kelly, Graham Campbell, Margaret Morgan, Catherine Vallis, Ken Andrews, Annette Christie, Linda Pike, Norman McLeod & Hanif Raja. Councillor Rashid Hussain supported the motion and brought in pictures and medals of his paternal grandfather & his elder brother along with medals belonging to his grandfather to show the chamber. The motion & approved amendments & support speeches by above named Councillors can be seen by clicking here!
Passed Parliamentary Motion (November 2021)
The call for a memorial has now been backed by 33 MSP’s from across the political spectrum at Holyrood. A Parliamentary motion (Ref: S6M-01792) was lodged by Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar which stated that the first permanent memorial to soldiers of the British Indo-Pak Army should be built.
It was supported by Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Democrats leader Alex Cole Hamilton as well as Pam Ghosal and Dr. Sandesh Gulhane. Scotland’s Veteran Secretary, Keith Brown has previously supported the work of Colourful Heritage.
Read this STV news article for more information
August 2020
National Arboretum Trip
August 2020 saw the late Bhullar Singh’s attendance to the National Arboretum where he met with Prince Charles at the VJ75 commemorations. You can read more on BBC News.
March 2021
Schools Engagement re. BIA Memorial Design
Colourful Heritage have successfully engaged with a number of schools to take part in the ‘BIA Memorial Design’ project. Look inside this leaflet to see what the Colourful Heritage team have been up to and to see a glimpse of some of the amazing designs sent through!
November 2021
Festival of Remembrance
CH were invited to a RBL event at Royal Albert Hall, London, where we were recognised for our work towards the British Indo-Pak Army.
Articles
Community Magazine Feature
Colourful Heritage were also interviewed by “Community Magazine” regarding Giffnock Primary’s involvement in our Memorial design. The children were asked to submit their ideas for the memorial, creating stunning, colourful posters. Take a look at the article!
Glasgow Times Article
Colourful Heritage are proud to be featured in a recent article by the “Glasgow Times” regarding our engagement with schools. The article discusses some of the brilliant designs submitted by school pupils for the memorial, and even includes some photographed examples of posters. Take a look at the article by pressing on the image!
Scotsman Article - Dr. Saqib Razzaq
“The Scotsman” recently released a brilliant article focused on the upcoming British Indian Army Memorial, and what it could do to benefit today’s society. The article features Colourful Heritage’s Project Officer, Dr Saqib Razzaq. Covering hot topics such as racism and discrimination, this is definitely an article worth reading. Click on the article for the full version!
Scotsman Article - Ravinder Kaur Nijjar
Ravinder Kaur Nijjar of “The Scotsman” wrote a great article on Scotland’s lack of a memorial to the fallen of the British Indian Army ahead of Remembrance Sunday 2021. Read some of the great points she raises by clicking the article!
The Sun's 'MOON' Pull Out
We are excited to share our feature in the children’s ‘MOON’ pull out section of The Sun newspaper, relating to pupils’ tributes to forgotten South Asian soldiers. More than 80 wonderful design ideas poured in from the pupils of Giffnock Primary, St Andrews Primary in Cumbernauld, Kirkhill Primary and Woodfarm High in Glasgow. Take a look at the image to see our feature in the flesh!
STV News Article
Lewis McKenzie of “STV News” details the cross-party support the BIA memorial campaign has reached so far – “now backed by 33 MSPs from across the political spectrum at Holyrood”. This underlines its importance in representing the fallen Muslim and South Asian soldiers of the World Wars.
Scottish Daily Express Article
The Scottish Daily Express also featured the news of the upcoming BIA memorial in their press, detailing the “positive discussions with Glasgow City Council about a memorial being erected in the grounds of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.”
CWGC Non-Commemoration Report
This report estimates between 45,000 and 54,000 casualties (predominantly Indian, East African, West African, Egyptian and Somali personnel) were commemorated unequally. Also, at least 116,000 casualties from WW1, most of whom were of African, Indian or Egyptian origin, “were not commemorated by name or possibly not commemorated at all”.
This has led to an apology from the CWGC as well as an ‘unreserved apology’ from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
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Plans Unveiled for Glasgow Memorial to South Asian War Heroes – Third Force News
- Plans Unveiled for Memorial to South Asian War Heroes at Kelvingrove – Glasgow World
- Plans Unveiled for Glasgow Memorial to South Asian War Heroes – Glasgow West End Today
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Plans Submitted for Glasgow Memorial to South-Asian War Heroes – The National
- Why is Scotland Building a Memorial for Indian and Pakistani Soldiers? – STV News
- Permanent Memorial to South Asian War Heroes to be Built in Glasgow – Glasgow Times
- Project Gets Underway for Glasgow Memorial to South Asian War Heroes – Third Force News
- Memorial to Honour South Asian Soldiers Who Fought for UK in World Wars – DAWN
- South Asian Soldiers Join Scotland’s Roll of Honour – TFN
- South Asian Soldiers Who Died in Second World War Join Scotland’s Roll of Honour – Scottish Daily Express
- Kingussie’s Fallen Heroes Added to National Roll of Honour Housed at Edinburgh Castle – Strathspey Herald
- Scotland’s First National British Indian Army (BIA) Memorial – South Asian Heritage Trust