Ethnic diversity

4. VC Winners from Ethnic Minorities

Required Resources

• Slides 36-37
• Video: Sepoy Kamal Ram
• Video: Sepoy Kamal Ram's return to India
• Video: Majumdar funeral

Delivery

• Acknowledge that every individual who serves in the Armed Forces, both past and present, demonstrates a huge act of bravery and commitment as they risk their lives in service of others.
• Use Slide 36-37 to introduce the Victoria Cross and explain the reasons that it is awarded. These also provide some modern examples of ethnic minorities who have received the cross.
• Play Video: Sepoy Kamal Ram showing him receiving his Victoria Cross in 1944.
• Ask students how they feel about the video. Were there any specific details or features that stuck out?
• Do they think this kind of ceremony and the Victoria Cross was a good way to recognise and thank Sepoy Kamal Ram for his bravery? What about other serving men who did not receive an award? Discuss.
• Video: Sepoy Kamal Ram's return to India and Video: Majumdar funeral are provided as additional material to give students a visual insight to the Indian troop's contributions and sacrifices made. Extra time will be required to view these videos. Information on both individuals can be found in the Teacher Notes.

Differentiation

Higher Ability:

Consider whether the significance / value of the VC or other awards changed following independence.