Begum Pasha Shah: A Trailblazer in Indian Military History
Begum Pasha Shah etched her name in history as the first Muslim woman to join the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAC) in India.
© South Asian Heritage Trust | All Rights Reserved
Erected in 2002, the gates commemorate the estimated five million servicemen and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and the Caribbean who volunteered with the British Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars.
Inaugurated in 2002 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, she addressed the 53 states of the Commonwealth with the message, “We are guardians of a precious flame, and it is our duty not only to keep it burning brightly but to keep it replenished for the decades ahead.”
The South Asian community played a crucial role in both World Wars. From India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, countless individuals answered the call to duty, fighting alongside their British comrades. The Memorial Gates serve as a powerful symbol of their sacrifice and unwavering dedication.
The gates are not a single archway, but rather four tall pylons (pillars), made of Portland stone and bronze and bearing the names of the various Commonwealth countries whose servicemen and women are honoured.
The design bridges Eastern and Western architectural influences. The four pylons resemble a Western gateway, while the pavilion on the Green Park side with its dome hints at Eastern styles which reflects the Commonwealth connection and the diverse backgrounds of those commemorated.
A domed pavilion features the names of 74 individuals from these regions who were awarded the prestigious George Cross (GC) or Victoria Cross (VC) for their bravery during the two World Wars. And 48 of those named are of South Asian heritage such as Khudadad Khan, Gian Singh, and the only female inscribed, Noor Inayat Khan.
Beyond commemorating the wartime service of the South Asian community, the Memorial Gates celebrate the lasting impact these individuals and their descendants have had on British society. The memorial is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that the Commonwealth contributes to the UK.
The Royal British Legion actively supports the commemorations held at the Memorial Gates on Commonwealth Day, which falls on the second Monday of March each year. This highlights the Legion’s commitment to honouring the contributions of all Commonwealth service personnel.
The Memorial Gates Trust welcomes the public to watch the commemorations on Commonwealth Day.
Begum Pasha Shah etched her name in history as the first Muslim woman to join the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAC) in India.
Gaje Ghale was born on 1 August 1918 in Barpak, Gorkha District, Nepal. Barpak, a small village nestled in the rugged terrains of the Himalayas, is in a region that has produced some of the most esteemed soldiers to have served in the armed forces.
Records indicate that no Victoria Crosses were awarded to Indian soldiers specifically for their actions at Monte Cassino during The Second World War. However, Indian soldiers played a significant role in the gruelling battles for Monte Cassino, with many displaying exceptional bravery. One soldier, Sepoy Kamal Ram of the 8th Punjab Regiment, did receive the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Garigliano River in Italy in May 1944.
The George Cross (GC) is the highest civilian gallantry award given in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
The first of the Trust’s projects is the South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), which first took place in 2020 and runs from the 18th of July to the 17th of August each year.
SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
It seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.
© South Asian Heritage Trust | All Rights Reserved
