Every November, the poppy is worn as a symbol of remembrance, honouring those who gave their lives in the great wars. Yet, woven into this history are the forgotten stories of Indian soldiers, men who travelled far from their homeland and stood shoulder to shoulder with Allied forces in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Their courage and sacrifice, though immense, have too often been left in the margins of remembrance. Mission Marigold seeks to change that, ensuring that these brave soldiers receive their rightful place in history.
Brief Background
The numbers alone tell a powerful story: over 1.4 million Indians served in the First World War and an astonishing 2.5 million in the Second World War – forming the largest volunteer army in history. They fought in decisive battles such as the Somme, Ypres, and Haifa, and many never returned home. Thousands gave their lives on foreign soil, buried far from their families, in lands they had never known until duty called. Yet despite this unparalleled contribution, their sacrifices remain underrepresented in the mainstream narratives of Remembrance Day.
Why Mission Marigold?
Mission Marigold is a heartfelt effort to restore balance to this history. The marigold, a flower with deep cultural and spiritual significance in India, has been chosen by the United Services of India as the symbol of Remembrance. By wearing a marigold or a marigold pin, we remember the service and courage of the Indian soldiers. This initiative is about acknowledgement, representation, and ensuring future generations understand the global nature of the fight for freedom and the unwavering resolve of the Indian soldier to fight for it.
[I’m privileged] to have the opportunity to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the cause of freedom – including more than 74,000 men who did not return home to India. India’s remarkable contribution to the war effort must be recognised, because it changed the course of history.
~ Tom Tugendhat MP, Former Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and former army officer
INSIGHT UK is proudly partnering with the Mission Marigold team to bring this initiative to life. Through distributing marigold pins and encouraging public participation, we are committed to making sure that these soldiers are remembered in the global event of Remembrance.
Call to Action
Every one of us can play a part in keeping the memory of these soldiers alive:
- Wear a Marigold pin (or a Marigold) in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day (Nov 11th) as a visible symbol of respect and remembrance.
- Organise school assemblies to educate children about the 1.4 million Indians in WWI and 2.5 million in WWII, making sure young minds learn about this legacy.
- Share the history of Indian soldiers in key battles like the Somme, Ypres, and Haifa with friends, family, and colleagues – ensuring their courage is never forgotten.
This November, in Britain, let us wear marigolds along with poppies. Together, we can ensure that the sacrifice of all Indians who fought in the world wars is permanently woven into the story of Remembrance.
You can find more useful information here: https://www.missionmarigold.org/
