The Commune of Monotone (in Italy) and Italian military historians unveiled the “V.C. Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial” on Saturday in Montone, Perugia, as a tribute to the Indian troops who fought in the Italian Campaign of the Second World War. This was done to remember the supreme sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers.
A Ministry of Defense press statement said that the memorial is named for Naik Yeshwant Ghadge, who was awarded the Victoria Cross and died while fighting on the heights of Upper Tiber Valley.
India was represented at the event by Neena Malhotra, who is the ambassador of India to Italy, and by the Indian Defense Attaché.
There were also a lot of Italian people, important guests, and members of the Italian Armed Forces there.
“The ambassador and mayor of Montone opened the Yeshwant Ghadge Memorial to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the Italian campaign.” In a tweet, the Indian Embassy in Italy said, “The memorial marked the beginning of a special relationship between India and Italy that was built on the battlefields of Montone.”
“The opening of the tribute to Yeshwant Ghadge’s sundial will strengthen the special historical link between India and Italy. There was also a special post card. “The event was attended by important people from the Italian government, military, military historians, and the general public,” the Indian Embassy wrote.
During the Second World War, the Italian Campaign was very important to Indian troops. More than 50,000 Indian Army soldiers from the 4th, 8th, and 10th Divisions took part. Indian troops won six of the 20 Victoria Crosses that were given out in Italy. The official release said that 23,722 Indian troops were hurt or killed. Of those, 5,782 Indian soldiers gave their lives, and they are remembered in 40 Commonwealth War Graves all over Italy.
So that people can take part in this tribute, an Indian Army plaque honoring the brave sacrifice of all ranks of the Indian Army who fought in the Italian Campaign has been put there.
The monument looks like a real Sundial. The memorial’s slogan is “Omines Sub Eodem Sole,” which means “We all live under the same sun” in English.
The fact that this Memorial was built to honor the contributions made during the Italian Campaign shows that Italy holds the efforts and contributions made by the Indian Soldiers during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War in the highest regard.
