Scotland’s First National British Indian Army (BIA) Memorial
Artists impression of Scotland’s First BIA Memorial Colourful Heritage, a charity based in Scotland were granted planning permission by Glasgow
He served as a storeman in the Royal Indian Army Service Corps (RIASC), the backbone of the military’s logistics and supply network during both World Wars. Lance Naik’s service, given before Indian independence, ensured that vital supplies reached British soldiers on the frontline — a role that demanded reliability, precision and courage. Through his dedication, he rose to the rank of Lance Naik.
His service laid the foundation for a legacy of pride, service and remembrance that continued into the next generation with his daughter, Banumathy, who served in the Indian Army.
It was the desire to serve that led Banumathy to come to the UK, joining the NHS as a ITU nurse. That same principle inspired her son and Naik’s grandson Vignesh, to become a physiotherapist.
Naik’s medals are proudly worn by Banumathy at Remembrance ceremonies each year in the UK. Today Vignesh is a co-founder of Mission Marigold, which promotes awareness of Indian soldiers’ service and sacrifice.
Artists impression of Scotland’s First BIA Memorial Colourful Heritage, a charity based in Scotland were granted planning permission by Glasgow
The Lascars – thousands of seafarers from the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Arab world and Africa.
This year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme is powerfully reflected in the service of 2.5 million Indian soldiers who volunteered for the British Indian Army during the Second World War. As the largest volunteer force in history, they came from many faiths and ethnic backgrounds across the Indian subcontinent.
Sarojini Naidu was an early 20th century poet and prominent leader in India’s struggle for independence, as well as an advocate for social justice and women’s rights.
