The word "Dastar" in Punjab refers to a turban, which holds immense significance for every Sikh who chooses to wear it. While many people see turbans in their daily lives, not everyone understands their symbolic importance. Let’s take an example here. Like ties worn by men convey dignity and respect in Western society, turbans also hold great value, from formal gift-giving to the personal ritual of tying one.
Turban: The Crowning Glory
Turbans have a long history dating back thousands of years, and they serve a practical purpose, especially for Khalsa Sikhs, who grow their hair and beard. For them, wearing a turban helps to keep their hair clean and tidy, while also reminding them of a central principle of Sikhism.
In the past, turbans were mainly worn by the upper classes in India's caste system. However, Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, encouraged all his followers to wear turbans to challenge this oppressive system. The turban became a symbol of equality, a reminder that every person is free and deserves respect. So, for Sikhs, the turban holds deep meaning as a cultural and religious symbol, representing dignity, equality, and pride in their faith.
At the same time, due to the reflection of caste in Indians' last names, all Sikhs were encouraged to adopt common last names — Singh, meaning lion, or Kaur, meaning lioness.
The Sikh faith
The Sikh faith is fundamentally democratic and decentralized, yet the Sikh community in Queens, located in New York City, started coming together as a political force around 2008. As Sikhs established themselves in Queens, a group of activists worked to unite the community and address their specific requirements. They sought support from like-minded individuals to improve schools, and public safety, and establish better communication with the government.
Gurpal Singh, the founder of SEVA, a Queens-based volunteer advocacy group, said, “It is very much a decentralized community, the heart of which is the gurdwara.” The Gurdwara, also called “the doorway to God,” serves as both a temple and a community centre.
Gurudwaras: The abode for the Sikh community
On Sundays, the gurdwara is full of men and women gathered in one room, bowing before the Guru Granth Sahib while musicians (the raagis) play their instruments. In another room, usually referred to as the langar hall, people sit in rows on the floor, chatting and enjoying the langar, a communal meal for visitors. In the kitchen, a group of volunteers is busy cooking and serving the food.
Everyone is welcome inside the gurdwara, but they need to remove their shoes and cover their hair as a sign of respect. Children can be seen running around the gurdwara, representing the new generation that is at the heart of their community's concerns. After the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, a percentage of the Sikh population started moving to Queens to escape violence and create better lives. As the Sikh community in Queens grew and matured, they embraced it as their new home.
According to the 2000 Census estimates, there are 70,000 Sikhs in Queens, but Gurpal Singh believes this number is underestimated. He says the actual count is higher, as some people fear opening their doors for various reasons. They are planning to address this issue for the 2010 census.
A little about the life of Sikhs in Queens
Mohinder Singh, the founder and president of the Baba Makhan Shah Lobana Sikh Center in Richmond Hill, holds the view that an accurate assessment of the population is crucial. He believes that democracy revolves around numbers. During political gatherings at the gurdwara, they demonstrate the presence of a significant number of potential voters, highlighting their community's importance.
According to Mohinder Singh, Sikhs are engaged in various professions such as construction, running their own businesses, driving cabs, working as brokers, or owning gas stations. They are known for their independence in thoughts and finances, and they take care of their community members. He further emphasizes the significance of the family structure, which provides a safety net during economic hardships. Sikhs consider it their duty to help one another, following the principle of being both saint and soldier.
Gurpal Singh stresses that education is always the top priority, especially concerning the next generation. Sikhs are keen on preserving and expanding after-school programs and other educational opportunities. Additionally, they advocate for a curriculum that respects and explores immigrant traditions and attire to foster curiosity and respect among students.
Intolerance in schools
During the 2007-2008 school year, the Sikh community faced a serious problem with intolerance in schools. Several students with turbans and long hair were subjected to harassment and physical assaults. One distressing incident occurred in June when a Sikh teenager was punched in the face by a fellow classmate outside Richmond Hill High School.
Safety concerns extend beyond school premises as well. Hate crimes are a constant worry in the community, causing anxiety among its members. Mohinder Singh expressed the community's desire to be included in the city's plan of action, particularly in response to the possibility of another terrorist attack. During that school year, the Sikh community endured intolerance and violence within schools while also grappling with worries about safety and hate crimes outside the educational environment. Mohinder Singh emphasized the need for their community to be part of the city's response plan.
Sikhs bearing the brunt of mistaken identity
After the attacks of 9/11, many Sikhs faced taunting and became targets for angry Americans who mistakenly blamed them for the tragedy, thinking they were Muslims. Sikh leaders are now seeking assurance that such incidents will never happen again. Mohinder Singh emphasized the need for a way to protect innocent people from ignorant retaliation.
Gurpal Singh also stressed the urgency of addressing this issue. He believes that before asking about a plan, it's essential to establish an open dialogue. The Sikh community took matters into their own hands instead of waiting for politicians to act on their behalf. One such group, SEVA, has been actively engaging the community. They encouraged Sikhs to register and vote in the recent elections and are working to articulate and publicize their demands. According to Gurpal Singh, when they have representation in meetings, they feel empowered, opening up many possibilities.
Their activism is also focused on building alliances with other communities. They joined forces with the West Indian community and organized a debate between state Sen. Serphin Maltese and challenger Addabbo in 2008.
SAWI: The Sikh council in Queens
Gurpal Singh founded the South Asian/West Indian Council (SAWI) to bring community leaders together. Although it may appear that these two groups have little in common, Singh emphasizes that they share many concerns and both experience marginalization. This coalition goes beyond just a catchy acronym; it's a genuine effort to address common issues and work together for the betterment of their communities.
At the same time, SEVA continues its core work of assisting the communities in accessing city, state, and federal services, which are not always easily available to them. They are also striving to empower the South Asian community to actively participate in federal immigration reform. Gurpal Singh emphasized the need to be part of the larger trends in the country to bring about positive change.
In Queens, the Sikh religion has found acceptance in its diversity. Instead of seeking to convert others, it welcomes people of different faiths. The religion's foundation is built on egalitarian principles, advocating for a classless society with a focus on women's rights and practical action.
Gurpal Singh noted that some aspects of the faith may not be fully practised by everyone, especially concerning male dominance within the SAWI community. To address this, he has been working on establishing a SAWI women's group within SEVA to ensure a more balanced representation of concerns.
Immigrant organizers face the challenge of a "transient mentality" among Sikhs, with many coming to Queens for economic opportunities and planning to return to India or move to the suburbs in the future.
At the gurdwaras, Sikhs are actively involved in their social circles, engaging in traditional activities, taking care of their families, and contributing financially to expand their community centres — all signs of establishing a new homeland.
*Based on an article published in Zwire on 5th December 2008