Simratpal Singh, a military officer by profession and a Sikh in his religious faith, has been granted an exemption by the United Armed Forces to abide by both. He can now wear a beard and a turban while serving his country on active duty. Born in India in 1989, Simratpal moved to USA when he […]
Simratpal Singh, a military officer by profession and a Sikh in his religious faith, has been granted an exemption by the United Armed Forces to abide by both. He can now wear a beard and a turban while serving his country on active duty. Born in India in 1989, Simratpal moved to USA when he was 9. His own grandfather served in the British Indian Army in World War I.
Britain’s first turbaned Sikh was a Kenyan Kenya-born Harbans Singh Jabbal (1926-1999) made history for Kenya’s Sikhs – and for the British Sikhs as well – when, as Special Constable, he became the first British Police Officer to wear a turban on duty, 28 January 1970. He had earlier worked as a Detective Chief Inspector in Kenya until 1966 when he emigrated to the United Kingdom following the independence of Kenya and progressive Africanisation policies.
Both Simratpal and Harbans are epitomes of how one can stay true to both self and to country, and without compromising with neither faith nor patriotism. No matter where Sikhs have settled around the world, away from their traditional homeland of Punjab, they have made themselves a part of the society and country of their adoption by playing out their various roles in professions and occupations. Police service, as one of the many other law enforcements, is an area that attracts Sikhs to serve their duty to country, owing to their tradition of being Saint-Soliders in identity. Sikhs are by nature and design champions of peace and righteousness, so it is little wonder why they love to serve and protect, and maintain law and order in community, society and country.
With a rich history of exemplary courage and selfless sacrifice, Sikhs continue to enrol into the Police across every continent on earth. They are not only admired but envied too by one and all.
~ Source: feelthekenyaninyou