What Sikh turbans really represent

Guru Amar Das   (Public Domain)

After recently being targeted by those who equated his turban with terrorism, Hoboken’s newly-elected Sikh mayor explained its true significance.

Sikh turbans were originally meant to identify those who would “stand up against injustice.”  When fellow Indians would see that turban in a crowd, they knew whom to go to for

protection.  

Equality has long been a cherished value of Sikhs.  This includes “gender equality, racial equality and religious tolerance.”  Sikhs are also “instructed to be actively involved in their communities.”

How wonderful that a city as large and diverse as Hoboken, New Jersey now has an inclusive leader.  Simran Jeet Singh of the Sikh Coalition adds:  I can’t tell you how much it means that my daughter will have civic heroes who look like her father.  I’m crying now.

Resources

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/11/08/sikh-candidate-labeled-a-terrorist-on-hateful-campaign-fliers-wins-mayoral-election/?utm_term=.a8aea8142caf 

Copyright November 2017 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved