Remembering the Sacrifices of Punjabi-Canadians

A/SLt Josh Grinstead, 
PAO, MARPAC 

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As Remembrance Day approaches, Canadians reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served. For Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)) Dhinsa, a Royal Canadian naval officer of Sikh background from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, this means working on the short film Promises. Directed by Steven Purewal, the movie aims to shed light on the significant contributions of Punjabi forces to the Allied cause during both World Wars—a history often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

As a Sikh sailor with a deep family history of military service, Lt(N) Dhinsa’s participation in Promises underscores the importance of remembrance and the need to honour the sacrifices of all who fought for freedom.

Promises highlights that many of the soldiers who fought against Axis tyranny during key battles throughout both world wars were Punjabi men from India, who fought valiantly as citizens of the British Empire. The film specifically focuses on the important battles of Neuve Chapple in 1915 and Monte Cassino in 1944, which were largely won by soldiers from the British Raj. Lt(N) Dhinsa expresses a profound sense of responsibility in bringing these stories to light: “The history has been dead for so long; if we if we don’t establish it now, it will be lost.”

The director, Steven Purewal, emphasizes the film’s mission to unveil the marginalized histories of Punjabi contributions during the World Wars. “It’s really important for the next generation to see that we’ve come together at important points in our history to accomplish great things,” he states. Purewal wants to create a film that resonates not only with those who know this history, but also with future generations who may be unaware of the sacrifices made by these soldiers in the pursuit of Allied victory. “If we had not been unionized at that time, those victories would not have been secured. Millions of volunteers fought for the crown against that Axis. If there was no unity at that point, we’d have a completely different world order,” he adds.

When discussing his most memorable moments on set, Lt(N) Dhinsa recounts the connection he feels with his ancestors who served. “We tie our turbans and, by the first break of sunlight, were filming. It’s very long days, all the way to sunset around 6 PM. The challenging part for this shoot was all the mud. Even in my military career, I’ve never seen that much mud! But I guess that’s great; this is how our forefathers fought, so it gives me a glimpse of how they would have felt.”

The film’s focus on Punjabi soldiers is particularly significant in today’s context, as it encourages a broader understanding of the diverse backgrounds that contribute to our nation’s military heritage. Lt(N) Dhinsa believes that the stories told in Promises are essential for fostering respect and recognition among diverse communities. “I know in World War II, my grandpa’s two brothers, they died in action during the Burma campaign. I think this was a great way to honour their legacy,” Lt(N) Dhinsa says.

Looking to the future, Lt(N) Dhinsa hopes that Promises will ignite curiosity in young Canadians about their history. He expresses his desire for all young Canadians to have the opportunity to engage with their heritage in ways he wasn’t always able to. “I don’t really know my history for World War I. If [my family] were in World War II, I’m pretty sure someone from my family did volunteer in World War I. Anybody with a Punjabi history always has somebody that has served in both of those Wars,” he reflects. Lt(N) Dhinsa hopes future generations will be able to find the answer to such questions.

Promises serves as a powerful reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of Punjabi soldiers in the World Wars, offering a vital opportunity for reflection and education. Through Lt(N) Dhinsa’s personal involvement and director Steven Purewal’s vision, the film not only honours the sacrifices of these soldiers but also sheds light on the diverse histories that shape our collective identity. As Canadians prepare to observe Remembrance Day, Promises encourages future generations to recognize the complexity of our shared past, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the diverse backgrounds that have contributed to the freedoms we enjoy today.