Honouring the legacy of Hari Singh Nalwa
The 188th martyrdom anniversary of the legendary Sikh commander Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa was commemorated with pride and solemnity at Guru Gobind Singh Public School (GGPS) in Hoshiarpur on April 30.
The event, a collaboration between INTACH Punjab and the Hari Singh Nalwa Foundation Trust, honoured one of the greatest military leaders of the Sikh Empire, whose legacy continues to inspire generations. The ceremony, under the leadership of Principal Harjit Singh, saw over 700 schoolchildren, members of the Nalwa family from Delhi, Chandigarh and Ludhiana, INTACH Punjab representatives and prominent personalities from the region. The chief guest, Lt Gen A S Bahia (Retd), emphasised that Hari Singh Nalwa’s contribution to both Indian and Sikh history is irreplaceable and permanent.
Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (Retd), Convener of INTACH Punjab, stressed the importance of remembering figures like Hari Singh Nalwa, who played a crucial role in defending the subcontinent’s identity. “INTACH is dedicated to preserving such legacies, ensuring our youth learns about the immense sacrifices made by our ancestors,” he said. The highlight of the event was a profound address by Maj Gen Kulpreet Singh (Retd), a descendant of Nalwa, who recounted the life and military achievements of the famed commander. Hari Singh Nalwa, born in 1791 in Gujranwala to Gurdas Singh and Dharam Kaur, rose to become the Commander-in-Chief of the Sikh Khalsa Army under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Known for halting invasions through the Khyber Pass, he expanded the Sikh Empire into Afghanistan, including Peshawar and Kashmir.
The event also delved into the origin of his title “Nalwa”. Legend states that Hari Singh Nalwa killed a tiger single-handedly while on horseback. Impressed by his bravery, Maharaja Ranjit Singh exclaimed “Wah! Mere Raja Nal,” drawing a parallel to the mythic hero from the Mahabharata. Over time, this admiration became his iconic name. Hari Singh Nalwa wasn’t just a military genius; he was also a capable diplomat and administrator. By 1822, he was serving as the governor of Kashmir, Hazara and Peshawar and is credited with building the city of Haripur. He also introduced the “HariSinghee” coin in Kashmir for tax collection.
The pivotal Battle of Jamrud in April 1837, where Hari Singh Nalwa led his small force of under 800 men against a much larger Afghan force of 50,000, was a defining moment in his military career. Though mortally wounded, he successfully defended Jamrud Fort and halted the Afghan advance, securing the strategic Khyber Pass.
This year’s anniversary became a historic occasion, with descendants of some of Punjab’s most iconic figures in attendance. Meera Bedi from Unna and Maj Gen J D S Bedi represented the lineage of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, while Harsohin Kaur Sarkaria, a descendant of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and several members of the Nalwa family were also present, adding emotional depth to the commemoration.
Although Dr Vaneet Kaur Nalwa could not attend due to health reasons, she sent a heartfelt message. She described Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa not only as a warrior but also as a philanthropist, visionary builder and horticulturist. “Hari Singh Nalwa is not merely a figure of family history; he is a beacon of the Sikh Empire of Punjab,” she stated. During the event, books authored by Dr Vaneet Nalwa were presented to key attendees, including Sardar Tarsem Singh, President of the Guru Gobind Singh Education Society (GGES) and Principal Harjit Singh.
Tarsem Singh, who travelled from Jharkhand for the event, expressed his gratitude to the organisers, highlighting the significance of such events in preserving cultural heritage. “This event serves as a great motivation for our children,” he remarked, also noting the rare presence of four Indian Army Generals at the ceremony. The commemoration concluded with a collective pledge to continue honouring the heroism of Hari Singh Nalwa and to ensure his legacy remains remembered with pride and respect.
Punjab