This small community has outsize cultural influence and historical importance. Under previous Taliban rule, many non-Islamic art pieces were smashed in accordance with decrees against representations of human form ostensibly forbidden by Islam.
A project to introduce a Wolverhampton memorial honouring brave Sikh soldiers who fought an epic last stand has been given a cash boost.
Hosting a float at the parade is also an opportunity to educate the Americans about the Contribution of Sikhs in World Wars. Every year along the parade route, Sikhs are cheered with a big applause, “Thank you”, “Happy Memorial Day”, “Mr. Singh”, “Dr. Singh”, and a special cheer “Avatar” for the local resident Avtar Singh. Thousands of brochures with information about Sikhs and their unique identity are also distributed to people lined up on the sidewalks. Many who don’t know about Sikhs are also curious to know more about them.
“I want to spend the rest of my life there,” Basant Singh said.
The five-acre park also has Sikh-inspired elements such as two large rings that are modeled after the kara bangles worn by Sikhs.
Australia’s Sikh community has been providing thousands of free meals a day to those whose incomes have been restricted by lockdown measures.
Dedicated in honor of two Sikh men killed in 2011, the park incorporates Sikh design elements but welcomes all in the community
The Punjabi diaspora is widely spread across the continents of North America, Europe and Australia that travels all year long to Punjab for visiting their roots, meeting with their loved ones and vice-versa.
“The kirpan is a very important part of who we were, what we wear as a Sikh every day. As a baptised Sikh, you wear it, the same as your turban, it serves a purpose. My friends in the area are very worried about this dividing the community.”
Having been born and raised in Malaysia, where it was commonplace to see Sikh officers in law enforcement and armed forces, Dhillon says he had no inkling of the “great national debate” about to unfold.