Sikhs are known all over the world as a martial race. They have honourably served in the Police as well as in the Army of various countries from time to time. Even today, besides India, a good number of turbaned Sikhs are admirably performing their duties in the Police and the Army of several countries including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Malaysia.
Over the past few decades, scores of observant Sikhs from Nepal’s Nepalgunj area joined Nepal’s Regular Police and also Nepal’s Armed Police. But the turbaned Sikhs were conspicuous by their absence in the Himalayan country’s Army. However, this position has changed now.
Karan Singh has made history by becoming the first-ever soldier from the Sikh community to join Nepal’s Army. This significant milestone was achieved in June 2025, marking a momentous occasion for Nepal’s Sikhs as well as for the country’s military.
It may be mentioned here that Karan Singh, who is a ninth generation descendant from the Sikhs who had arrived in Nepal with Maharani Jind Kaur (wife of Maharaja Ranjit Singh) in 1849, hails from Bankatwa village in Banke district of Nepalgunj region.
He began his military journey by enrolling at Bahini Adda in Nepalgunj on 16th July, 2024, and successfully completed his basic military training at the Gorkha Baks Battalion in Achham on 6th June,2025. Thereafter, he was officially inducted into the country’s military service. He is presently posted at Chandrauta in Kapilbastu region.
“Joining Nepal’s Army was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream,” said Karan Singh happily. Battalion Chief Sangam Adhikari described the moment as “rare and proud in the military history of Nepal”. He further added: “Karan Singh’s journey reflects both personal perseverance and the Army’s evolving inclusivity in embracing different communities.”
Shankar Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police in Nepal’s Armed Police (Retired), flew from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu to thank General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), for accepting a turbaned Sikh in the Himalayan country’s military. While welcoming Shankar Singh, the General said that Nepal’s Army is guided by the country’s constitutional provisions that uphold the principle of inclusiveness, ensuring that all citizens of Nepal – regardless of caste, religion or ethnicity – have equal opportunity to serve in the country’s Army.
Karan Singh’s induction into Nepal’s Army is a testament to the growing inclusivity and diversity within the country’s military. It sets a precedent for future recruitment policy that welcomes individuals from all communities including turbaned Sikhs.
Nepal’s Sikhs have heartily welcomed Karan Singh’s induction into the country’s Army. Hopefully Nepal’s many turbaned Sikh youths will now come forward to join the country’s military without any hesitation.