Britain is preparing to erect a statue in memory of Indian pilot, cricketer and golfer Hardit Singh Malik. The Malik statue will be erected in Southampton, England, in the name of all the Indians who fought in the World War. Hardit Singh Malik first came to Britain in 1908, when he was only 14 years old. After this, he attended the Balliol College, Oxford University. He later became part of the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. He was the first turret pilot in the Indian and British Army. A special helmet was made for him. Moreover, Hardit Singh Malik was known as the ‘Flying Sikh’ in the British army.
Behind the memorial campaign is’ One Community Hampshire and Dorset (OCHD), which was approved by Southampton City Council last year. The OCHD said, “The statue of Haridit Singh Malik, a hero of World War I, recognizes the contribution of the entire Sikh community to the British armed forces in the First and Second World Wars.”
Malik played cricket for Sussex and was the Indian Ambassador to France after a long and distinguished career in the Indian Civil Service. However, he was well known as a pilot of combat aircraft from 1917-19. The monument will be designed by British sculptor Luke Perry, who is associated with other monuments such as ‘Lions of the Great War’.
Lord Rami Ranger, president of the British Sikh Association, said: ‘The way the monument was designed. She is amazingly portrayed by Hardit Singh Malik in this stunning design. I am very happy that the design has been approved by the community. ‘The monument will be designed by the British craftsman Luke Perry, who has already built many magnificent monuments. Perry said, ‘Such monuments are very important and part of the struggle for equality. Such artistry has long been credited. ‘
