We were overjoyed and inspired by the work of a young boy who recently visited the 'Empire, Faith & War' exhibition at the Brunei Gallery.
Based on his wonderfully researched and illustrated work titled 'The Sikh Army', it is quite clear that Hardayne Singh Puar (aged 8), seen here with his brother Jaipal (aged 4), has what it takes to be in the vanguard of the next generation of Sikh researchers and authors.
In it, he tells the remarkable story of the origins and development of Sikh military history, from the times of the Sikhs Gurus through to the two World Wars.
He has devoted a special section to his great-grandfather, Ajit Singh Mankoo, who served in the Second World War as part of the East African Electrical and Mechanical Engineers E.A.E.M.E) from 1940 to 1946. Ajit Singh was awarded several medals including the Africa Star, the Overseas Service medal and the Victory Star.
Incredibly, this was Hardayne's first ever research project. It was set by his teacher, who gave him six weeks to complete it. The inspiration for the subject matter came from a TV programme about WW2 fighter pilot, Mohinder Singh Pujji.
We are very proud of Hardayne's tremendous effort which fills us all with pride. We look forward to seeing him become a successful author in the future!