Vaisakhi Reception at St James's PalaceDate: Thursday, 24 April, 2008

I think many of you will know that I for a long time have had the greatest admiration for Sikh martial traditions and can hardly believe it is now six years since I inaugurated the “Jawans to General” touring exhibition which, with the “Portraits of Courage” lecture series at the Imperial War Museum, did much to raise public awareness, but also, I am so pleased that we were able to include a visit to Anandpur – the site of the initiation of the Sikh Khalsa in 1699 during our most recent visit to India two years ago. That was, indeed, a very special occasion for both of us. The generation present today, and especially its values, stand I think as an exemplar for present and future generations. I did just want to take this opportunity to commend the work of the Maharajah Duleep Singh Trust and the Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail in ensuring that these values are properly understood, and disseminated.