LOS ANGELES – Veeraj Singh, very proudly invited his entire basketball team to witness his Dastar Bandi (first time tying a Sikh turban) ceremony recently. This 6-foot tall, 14 year old, handsome Sikh, has made great strides in the Basketball court. He regularly plays inter-city and inter-state tournaments. He also excels academically and was recently accepted in the Sunny Hills High School International Baccalaureate Program, which would challenge his passion for sports! He presently attends Parks Junior High School, in Fullerton California. He has played on an All-Net Basketball team for the past 5 years. Called the Matadors, they were the 8th grade National Champions 2009 for the National Junior Basketball (NJB). Veeraj also volunteers for America India Foundation Junior Club, which raises money for the less fortunate kids in India.
Until now, Veeraj always wore a small patka, to cover his hair, at school and during sports. The time had come for him to start wearing a full-fledged Sikh turban. At his Dastaar Bandi ceremony, he proudly invited all his team-mates, coaches and their families. He demonstrated to the world, his pride and excitement in being a Sikh and tying the turban, a distinct symbol of his religion. Veeraj Singh is the son of a Los Angeles’ prominent couple Navneet Singh Chugh and Ritu Kaur Chugh.
The ceremony was planned very meticulously by Veeraj’s mother, Ritu Kaur, who had gone to India to pick outfits for his family members for this very special occasion as well mini nishaan sahibs (Sikh religious flag) to be placed decoratively in the celebration hall of the Gurdwara. The day was celebrated with religious fervor, enthusiasm and Khalsa traditions, at The Sikh Center of Orange County, in California recently. Over 350 people, both Sikhs and non-Sikhs from different walks of life, attended this well organized function.
Veeraj’s Uncle Dr. Rajwant Singh and Auntie Dr. Balwinder Kaur specially flew with their family from Washington, D.C. and performed the Keertan. Dr. Singh also explained the significance of the turban and the Sikh conduct of life. While addressing Veeraj, seated in the front of The Guru Granth Sahib, Rajwant Singh, said, “ The Sikh turban is not just a piece of cloth, but a symbol, with of hundreds of years of our history and heritage wrapped in it. May it always be a reminder for you to stand up for yourself and others who need help in this world.”
Bestowing his blessings, paternal Grandfather Mohinder Singh, Editor, India Journal, stressed the importance of Bani and Bana, teachings of the Sikh Gurus and the Sikh identity, in the Sikh way of life.
Veeraj’s maternal grandfather Group Captain Amrik Singh Ahluwalia, a retired Indian Air Force officer, narrated how he had received special respect and regard because of wearing turban throughout his career.
Veeraj’s cousins, Sehejneet Kaur and Guransh Singh, also did Keertan and recited two shabads ‘Binti karan jan aaya’ and ‘Har jio kirpa karo’ from the Guru Granth Sahib. Veeraj’s 11-year younger sister, Sabrina Kaur, while delivering her speech, got emotional and with tears in her eyes, created a hall-full of a teary eyed audience!
Veeraj’s turban tying ceremony was performed by both, his maternal and paternal grandfathers. Rajwant Singh loudly sang “Sir Jaaye taa jaave, mera Sikhi Sidak Naa Jaave”, which made the entire atmosphere both emotional and inspirational.
Amid cries and zealous screams of Sikh Jaikaras, Veeraj Singh was crowned with Dastar. While many young Sikhs in India and US are shunning their identity due to various reasons, on the other hand Dastar bandi ceremony is being revived by those Sikh youth who are proud of their own heritage. That is an encouraging sign for many.
May 12, 2009