The King Honors 103-Year-Old War Hero for Service to Community
Buckingham Palace shared a significant update on Tuesday, spotlighting a remarkable individual honored for his contributions to the South Asian community in the UK.
“At Windsor Castle today, The King invested 103-year-old Havildar Major Rajindar Singh Dhatt as an MBE for services to the South Asian Community in the UK,” read the official statement, accompanied by a carousel post featuring the decorated veteran.
Born in 1921 in pre-partition India, Rajindar Singh Dhatt had nearly completed his schooling when World War II broke out. The global conflict prompted him to join the British Army, beginning a distinguished military career.
“Rajindar quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to Havildar Major (Sergeant Major) in 1943,” the Palace statement revealed. “He was deployed to the Far East campaign, where he fought in Kohima, northeast India, supporting the Allied Forces in breaking through Japanese defenses.”
After the war ended, Rajindar returned to India, eventually relocating with his family to Hounslow, London, in 1963. Recognizing the importance of unity and shared history, he co-founded the Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Association. The group was established to help unite British-Indian veterans, fostering a sense of camaraderie and remembrance among those who served.
The news of Rajindar Singh Dhatt’s recognition comes as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime and the ongoing contributions of veterans to society, particularly within the South Asian community.
The announcement coincided with the release of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new Netflix docuseries, POLO. The show delves into the world of elite polo players, including Harry’s close friend Nacho Figueras, as they compete in Wellington, Florida, during the U.S. Open Polo Championship.
The series has sparked fresh speculation about Harry’s relationship with the royal family. In the show, Prince Harry’s participation has been interpreted by some as a symbolic move to “cut all ties” with the monarchy, despite the royal family’s historic association with the sport for generations.
While headlines swirl about Harry’s latest endeavors, the King’s recognition of Rajindar Singh Dhatt highlights a more enduring legacy — one of honor, service, and community impact. At 103 years old, Rajindar stands as a testament to the values of resilience and unity across borders and generations.