Sikh Soldier Organisation, a group of volunteers based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.
This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. The Sikh Soldier Organisation is one of 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
This award is a powerful testament to the organisation’s tireless dedication to preserving the heroic legacy of Sikh and Commonwealth soldiers, who fought with unyielding courage in the World Wars and beyond.
Through remembrance events, educational outreach, and community initiatives, the Sikh Soldier Organisation unites generations in gratitude and respect, celebrating a heritage of sacrifice and valour that resonates deeply within the UK and worldwide.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty The late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2024 marks the second year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Recipients are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday.
Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse and include volunteer groups from across the UK, such as a mental health and wellbeing support network for veterans and their families in Yorkshire; a group preserving a historic 12th century castle, in south Wales, volunteers providing English lessons for refugees in Stirling and an organisation providing opportunities to engage in the arts for people with learning disabilities in County Fermanagh.
Representatives of Sikh Soldier Organisation will receive the award crystal and certificate from Edmund Anderson, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, later this summer. In addition, two volunteers from Sikh Soldier Organisation will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.
“We are beyond humbled to receive this honour,” said Kalvinder Bhullar, Chairman of the Sikh Soldier Organisation.
“This award fuels our mission to keep alive the stories of Sikh soldiers whose bravery transcends borders and time.”
The King’s Award amplifies the voice of the Sikh Soldier Organisation, inspiring communities to remember and honour those who stood at the frontline of freedom. This prestigious recognition reflects not just on the efforts of the organisation but also on the countless volunteers and supporters who drive its mission forward.
“The Sikh Soldier Organisation continues to be a beacon, bringing history to life with each story it tells and every heart it touches.
“This is a great achievement by a group who have demonstrated the same determination and commitment as the Sikh Soldiers did and in doing so have highlighted the enormous part played and paid during the fight for freedom.
“This group of dedicated volunteers have now been recognised with the highest award possible, which is marketed as the MBE for voluntary groups.
Congratulations and wear the recognition with enormous pride”. Kevin Sharp LVO DL, and Patron of Sikh Soldier Organisation.
For more information and to support the Sikh Soldier Organisation’s mission, please visit sikhsoldier.org.
