Private Desanda Singh was among a handful of Indian Anzacs to go to the World War-I as an Australian soldier. His great-grandson, Nehchal Singh, accidentally found Pte Desanda Singh's medals three years ago. Since then, Mr Singh proudly participates in the annual Anzac Day Parade in Melbourne with Pte Singh’s medals pinned on his chest.
“I feel as if my relation to this country goes back generations and there can be nothing that fills me with such pride,” Mr Singh told SBS Punjabi in 2016 after he marched in Melbourne for the first time.
An immigrant farmer in South Australia, Private Desanda Singh had arrived in Australia in 1900. He was a skilled rider and decided to enlist in the Third Light Horse Regiment.
He was one of only 16 Indian-born recruits recorded to have served Australia in World War One.
Descendants of Pte Desanda Singh during Anzac Day parade. Source: Supplied
The story of Desanda Singh is said to highlight an enduring trait of Australian servicemen and women that while united in a common cause, they came from diverse multicultural and social backgrounds.
Captain Sandeep Bhagat, an Indian migrant, is a serving officer of the Australian Army, who has completed a number of postings in difficult international missions including Afghanistan. He says the ANZAC spirit is to never give up.
Source: SBS Punjabi
"In Gallipoli our ANZACS knew the victory was difficult, but they didn't turn their back to the challenges. It's that spirit of not turning your back to the difficulties and not abandoning the mateship is the ANZAC spirit," he said.
Dr Harsh Vivek Singh, a former doctor with the Indian Army, moved to Australia in 2015.
Captain Sandeep Bhagat Source: Supplied
In 2005 when a devastating earthquake rocked large parts of India and Pakistan, Dr Vivek was in his bunker in Uri Sector in Kashmir. Despite being badly hurt after the bunker collapsed on him, he treated several seriously injured patients before he collapsed to the ground.
He says soldiers anywhere in the world, are driven by the “same spirit and chutzpah” of carrying on even in the face of insurmountable challenges is the true ANZAC spirit.
"Australia was defeated there, but the victory was of the spirit, and we celebrate that spirit."
"The ANZAC spirit is not to back down in face of difficulties and to keep fighting. And this isn't true just for Australia, this holds good for every country, every Army, that defeat isn't the end."
