Yavar Abbas, a 105-year-old veteran, recently expressed his deep joy at the launch of the Freedom Fountain memorial, which aims to honor the service of British Indian soldiers during World War I and World War II. Abbas, who moved both the King and Queen to tears during the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, remarked on the significance of still being alive to witness this momentous occasion. His emotional reception at the parliamentary gathering highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of the Indian soldiers, who played a pivotal yet often overlooked role in these conflicts.

The memorial, featuring a two-meter banyan tree fountain, is set to be erected in Cambridge as a tribute to the volunteers of the 'forgotten' Indian Army. The involvement of over 1.3 million Indian soldiers in World War I and more than 2 million in World War II underscores a significant aspect of military history that has long been marginalized. The deaths of more than 87,000 of these soldiers further emphasize the sacrifices made during these global conflicts, marking their contributions as both profound and underappreciated.

Abbas's presence at the event and his plans to see the memorial established serve as a reminder of the importance of collective memory in honoring the legacies of those who served. The ambitious Freedom Fountain aims not only to commemorate the soldiers but also to reignite public interest in and awareness of their stories, ensuring that their sacrifices and bravery are remembered and respected in the narrative of British military history.