London: Indian-origin World War II spy, Noor Inayat Khan, was remembered for her bravery and sacrifice during Commonwealth Day commemorations at the Memorial Gates in London this week. This year's ceremony was themed ‘Women in War’ to honor the extraordinary contributions of women who served during the First and Second World Wars, including those from the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
The keynote address was delivered by London-based historian Shrabani Basu, author of 'Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan', who recounted the immense courage of a gentle Sufi musician executed by the Nazis in 1944.
"It is not just her bravery and loyalty that we remember. At a time when conflict is still rife in the world, and countries and communities are divided by gunfire and walls, it is important to remember the values that Noor stood for," Basu said.
“She was a Sufi, she believed in religious tolerance, she believed in non-violence and peace. She was proud of her Indian heritage, but she felt British and French at the same time," she added.
Commonwealth Day brings together diplomats, representatives of the Armed Forces, veterans, and faith leaders in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Gates – inaugurated by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 in honor of the 5 million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve during both World Wars.
