The 33-member Rajhans Orchestra, led by Hans Vermeersch, together with seven vocalists from the Indian Conservatory in Brussels, will present a musical tribute to the Indian soldiers who fought on Flemish soil during World War I. The concert, titled ‘Forgotten and still remembered’, combines music, singing, spoken word, and visuals to keep alive the story of these soldiers and the message of peace and tolerance.
During World War I, 130,000 Indian soldiers fought in Flanders. Their story faded into the background of history books, but in Knokke-Heist, they have been remembered for 25 years with this special concert. What began as a musical initiative by conductor Hans Vermeersch has grown into a unique project with international appeal. Knokke-Heist is the only city in Europe to organize such an Indian Memorial Concert. Hans Vermeersch's initiative, along with ambassador Sarvojit Chrakvarti, also contributed to the realization of a memorial stone for the Indian Army at the Menin Gate in Ypres.
For this silver jubilee edition, notable attendees include Pranay Verma, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg & the European Union, and Veeresh Thapar, Brigadier General and Military & Naval Attaché from the embassy in Paris. Hans Vermeersch, a recipient of various cultural awards, will once again bring the most beautiful compositions from the past 25 years to the forefront, featuring a harmonious blend of Western and Indian music.
‘Forgotten and still remembered’ is more than a classical memorial concert. With captivating music, singing, historical images, short films, and stories from lecturers Luc Lierman and Jan De Groote, the performance brings the human side of the war to life. The audience will discover not only the sorrow and homesickness of soldiers fighting far from home but also their courage, resilience, and humor. The concert also tells the story of the Indian population, their desire for freedom and independence, and their struggle to decide their own future, connecting personal past stories with universally relevant themes.
For a quarter of a century, this unique initiative has proven that music can bring people and cultures closer together. The concert reminds us that war affects people from all over the world, but that shared memories, culture, and music can transcend borders. The municipal government of Knokke-Heist warmly invites everyone to experience this anniversary edition. Both loyal attendees and newcomers will have the opportunity to encounter a poignant story that must not be forgotten.
