Freedom Fountain Memorial

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We are honoured to introduce Freedom Fountain, a dedicated memorial to honour the service and sacrifices of the 4 million United British Indian Army who served bravely in World War I & II - India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma.

Behind every important occasion are the people who make it possible. Our Westminster reception in Parliament marked an i...
13/09/2026

Behind every important occasion are the people who make it possible. Our Westminster reception in Parliament marked an important milestone for the Freedom Fountain project — and behind the scenes, a dedicated Cambridge team worked together to make the evening a success.

More than 20 members of our team travelled to Westminster, bringing together long-standing campaigners, supporters from many walks of life and, importantly, younger members who stepped forward with energy, professionalism and pride.

Seeing young people in their late teens and early twenties helping to deliver an event at the heart of Parliament was one of the most encouraging aspects of the evening. It was a reminder that remembrance is not simply about looking back — it is also about ensuring that the next generation understands these stories and carries them forward.

The parliamentary setting gave this gathering particular significance. It provided an opportunity to showcase the Freedom Fountain and open a wider national conversation about remembrance, education and our responsibility to tell the story of the more than four million soldiers of the United British Indian Army who served during the First and Second World Wars.

These photographs celebrate both the remarkable setting and the team whose commitment helped make the evening possible.

đź“– Read the full story: https://freedomfountain.org.uk/news/westminster-a-launch-in-the-heart-of-parliament

đź“· Photography and videography by M&S Foto Photography & BG VOICE UK

Recognition, remembrance and friendship were at the heart of some of the most moving moments of our Westminster receptio...
13/09/2026

Recognition, remembrance and friendship were at the heart of some of the most moving moments of our Westminster reception.

One particularly moving moment centred on our Honorary National Chair, Captain (Retired) Yavar Abbas. At 105 years old, Captain Abbas represents a living link to the generation whose service and sacrifice the Freedom Fountain seeks to honour.

Historian Dr Tajpal Singh Rammil presented Captain Abbas with regimental buttons to replace ones he had lost — a gift connected to a photograph of him taken nearly 80 years ago. It was more than the presentation of an object. It represented people recognising one another’s journeys and taking active steps to preserve memory rather than allowing it to fade.

We were proud to welcome an international delegation from Italy, reflecting the belief that remembrance does not stop at borders — and nor should gratitude. Recognition from the Metropolitan City of Naples was presented by Director Renata Monda, representing the Metropolitan City of Naples and the international “Movement of Kindness” initiative. We were also honoured by the presence of Colonel Alvio Girolamo and Sir Pasquale Marchese, who represents 29 municipalities in Puglia.

These moments captured something fundamental about the Freedom Fountain: remembrance must be active, gratitude must be expressed, and the stories entrusted to us must be carried forward.

đź“– Read the full story: https://freedomfountain.org.uk/news/westminster-a-launch-in-the-heart-of-parliament

đź“· Photography and videography by M&S Foto Photography & BG VOICE UK

A memorable evening of remembrance, conversation and shared purpose at the heart of Parliament. The Westminster receptio...
13/09/2026

A memorable evening of remembrance, conversation and shared purpose at the heart of Parliament. The Westminster reception marked an important milestone for the Freedom Fountain project, bringing together parliamentarians, historians, community leaders and supporters to begin a wider national conversation about remembrance, education and the responsibility to tell stories that have too often gone unheard.

It also meant a great deal to see Cambridge so strongly represented, alongside national and international guests, demonstrating how Westminster and communities across the country can come together around shared remembrance and shared responsibility.

Throughout the evening, one message returned again and again: the importance of honouring and understanding the contribution of more than four million soldiers of the United British Indian Army who served during the First and Second World Wars.

The Freedom Fountain seeks to give that history a permanent place in our national landscape — creating a space for remembrance, education, reflection and unity for generations to come.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, supported and contributed to this special evening.

The Westminster launch was the start of a new chapter.

And we intend to keep turning the pages.

đź“– Read the full story: https://freedomfountain.org.uk/news/westminster-a-launch-in-the-heart-of-parliament

đź“· Photography by M&S Foto Photography & BG VOICE UK

“We must remember not only what was done, but why it mattered". Those words capture the spirit of the Freedom Fountain W...
13/09/2026

“We must remember not only what was done, but why it mattered". Those words capture the spirit of the Freedom Fountain Westminster reception.

The speeches delivered during the evening went beyond the presentation of a memorial project. They spoke to a much wider responsibility: to ensure that the service and sacrifice of more than four million soldiers of the United British Indian Army during the First and Second World Wars is understood, remembered and passed on.

The evening asked an important question: why has so much of this history not been properly understood by the current generation? If these stories remain unknown, future generations lose the opportunity to learn from them. And if we fail to learn from history, we risk repeating its mistakes. That message feels especially important in a world where political tensions remain ever-present.

Remembrance is not only about looking back. It is also about the values we choose to protect today — peace, restraint, dignity and a commitment to avoiding conflict wherever possible.

The presence of our Honorary National Chair, Captain (Retired) Yavar Abbas, gave those words extraordinary meaning. At 105 years old, Captain Abbas is a living connection to the generation whose experiences and sacrifices the Freedom Fountain seeks to preserve.

The Westminster reception reminded us why these stories must continue to be told. We remember their service. We honour their sacrifice. We learn from their history. And we carry their stories forward.

đź“– Read the full story: https://freedomfountain.org.uk/news/westminster-a-launch-in-the-heart-of-parliament

đź“· Photography by M&S Foto Photography & BG VOICE UK.

We’re honoured to share that Capt (Ret.) Yavar Abbas – a 105-year-old WW2 veteran of the 11th Sikh Regiment – has given ...
15/11/2025

We’re honoured to share that Capt (Ret.) Yavar Abbas – a 105-year-old WW2 veteran of the 11th Sikh Regiment – has given his strong public support to the Freedom Fountain memorial in Cambridge.

Our team met Capt Abbas in October, and on Remembrance Day he was once again presented to His Majesty The King at the Cenotaph in London. In our latest article, he reflects on service, remembrance, and why projects like Freedom Fountain matter for future generations.

Read more on our website 👇
https://freedomfountain.org.uk/news/capt-yavar-abbas-expresses-strong-support-for-the-freedom-fountain-initiative

You can also read coverage of his meeting with The King here 👇
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/king-charles-queen-andrew-matthews-keir-starmer-b1257657.html

12/11/2025

On Remembrance Sunday (9 Nov 2025), Cambridge came together to honour all who served and sacrificed—across regiments, faiths, and generations. The reflections at Hills Road spoke to a shared duty: to remember courage, to stand for peace, and to recognise the often-untold Commonwealth contributions that shaped our freedom. 🌺 Read our full reflections and more photos:
👉https://freedomfountain.org.uk/news/cambridge-remembers-freedom-fountain-reflections-on-remembrance-sunday-2025

On Remembrance Sunday (9 Nov 2025), Cambridge came together to honour all who served and sacrificed—across regiments, fa...
12/11/2025

On Remembrance Sunday (9 Nov 2025), Cambridge came together to honour all who served and sacrificed—across regiments, faiths, and generations. The reflections at Hills Road spoke to a shared duty: to remember courage, to stand for peace, and to recognise the often-untold Commonwealth contributions that shaped our freedom. 🌺 This is the heart of Freedom Fountain—a living memorial to gratitude and service that binds communities today.

Among the many who joined the commemoration were Cllr Diana Pounds (Mayor of Cambridge), James Hutt (Deputy Lieutenant), Revd Imogen Nay, Daniel Zeichner MP, and Mukesh Malhotra BEM.

Read our full reflections and more photos:
👉https://freedomfountain.org.uk/news/cambridge-remembers-freedom-fountain-reflections-on-remembrance-sunday-2025

🌊 Welcome to the Freedom Fountain Memorial Initiative 🌿We are honoured to introduce Freedom Fountain, a dedicated memori...
30/09/2025

🌊 Welcome to the Freedom Fountain Memorial Initiative 🌿
We are honoured to introduce Freedom Fountain, a dedicated memorial to the fallen heroes of the United Indian Army who served bravely in World War I & II. Situated in Cambridge, UK, near the historic Gateway from India, this fountain stands as a testament to their sacrifices, resilience, and the shared legacy of the nations they represented—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka., Burma.

🕊️ A Tribute to Peace & Unity
This initiative seeks to honour the 4 million soldiers who served with unwavering courage, forming the largest all-volunteer army in history. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for the freedom we cherish today, bridging cultures and shaping a more connected world.

đź’§ A Living Memorial
Designed as a sustainable water feature, the fountain symbolizes the eternal flow of remembrance, with solar-powered technology, engraved cultural motifs, and an accessible space for reflection. Every ripple in the water carries their story forward, inspiring future generations.

📍 Why Cambridge?
Beyond honouring the past, this memorial strengthens the enduring cultural and historical ties between the United Kingdom and South Asia. Positioned near the Cambridge Gateway from India, the Freedom Fountain serves as a bridge between history and the present, uniting communities in shared remembrance.

📍 Why Ditchburn Place?
Ditchburn Place, a historic site on Mill Road, Cambridge, carries a deep legacy of care, service, and remembrance. Originally built in 1838 as the Cambridge Union Workhouse, it later became the Cambridgeshire County Infirmary (1930) and was transformed into the Emergency Wartime Hospital for East Anglia (1939-1946). After the war, it served as the Midwifery Training School and the Cambridge Maternity Hospital before evolving into a flagship social housing development in the 1980s.

By placing Freedom Fountain at Ditchburn Place, we not only honour the soldiers of the United Indian Army but also align with the site's historical purpose—a place that has served the community for nearly two centuries, from caring for the vulnerable to healing the wounded of war. This memorial will add another layer to the site’s rich heritage, ensuring that the sacrifices of these brave soldiers are forever remembered within a space dedicated to life, reflection, and continuity.

🌍 Join Us in Commemoration
We invite you to be a part of this meaningful journey. Follow our page for:
âś… Design Updates & Behind-the-Scenes Progress
âś… Community Discussions & Shared Stories
âś… Historical Insights & Expert Features
âś… Special Events & Unveiling Plans
đź’¬ Get Involved!

This is a tribute for all of us. We welcome your thoughts, family stories, and reflections—share them in the comments or reach out to support this initiative. Your voice matters in keeping this history alive.

đź’™ Lest We Forget. Always Remember. đź’™

Address

Ditchburn Place
Cambridge
CB12DR

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+447970290567

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