After years of learning and growing, it makes me smile to realise that even at the age of 42—when one might assume they truly know themselves—there is still so much more to discover.
Over the past year, I’ve found myself experiencing a deep sense of comfort and peace each day through faith in my religion. This journey is entirely new to me, and I’m starting from the very beginning. It feels both exciting and, at times, a little overwhelming.
I am a student of the Sikh faith, a relatively young religion founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji around the year 1499.
As I learn more about my religion and heritage, I find myself adopting stronger values and characteristics that are gradually shaping how I present and represent myself in the world. If you work with me or know me personally, you may notice me wearing a turban from time to time. It may not always be consistent—I’m taking things slowly and still learning how to tie it properly! But you’ll likely see me wearing one in person or on a Teams call.
Please feel free to ask me about it—it’s something I enjoy talking about because there so many aspects to it! I certainly wont be offended in anyway! 😉
My wife isnt too sure about the array of colours I have (my favorite colour happens to be Orange, which is also a significant colour in our religion), but she has accepted that I want to wear a turban which is great (didnt know how that was going to go lol). A person who wears a turban is referred to as a “Sardar”. It is not just a head covering. It is a much deeper, much more profound element of a Sikhs being and conduct
Wearing a turban is a reminder to live according to Sikh principles like truth, compassion, humility, and justice.
The turban signifies dignity, self-respect, and spiritual independence.
The turban makes a Sikh easily identifiable, which is important in fulfilling the duty of helping others and standing against injustice.
A Sardar is expected to be a protector of the oppressed and stand up for righteousness, even in the face of adversity.
It means a Sikh must be accountable for their actions, as they cannot blend into the crowd.
I have many reasons why I feel more comfortable wearing a turban. Since a young age I have cut my hair, which goes against Sikh principles. I started losing my hair a few years ago, and even went for a hair transplant 2 years ago to Turkey (which I highly reccommend – it was excellent!)
As of the last few years, my journey has made me really understand that I am a part of a bigger picture, which I started recognising as the universe a few years ago.
Some people call it luck, or fate, some the universe, or even serendipity. Its the air around us, the things that happen when we find an internal place of peace and stillness that means you connect with something around you. We cant explain it, we cant fathom it, but Ive realised my religion gives me context over it that I can comprehend.
As life events unfolded, I began to realise that what I started recognising as the universe, can also be considered as recognising God.
The two are infact interchangeable in my understanding of my religion.
The Sikh Turban is referred to as a crown. It comes from a time where only the royal were allowed to wear it, and anyone else was strictly forbidden.
When our Sikh Gurus developed the Sikh religion, they wore the turban to symbolise that all humans are equal, a core principle to the religion which promotes and recognises equality as a fundamental belief.
Im wearing a turban because I feel I am now worthy enough to wear one.
Wearing a Turban is a big responsibility. Its meaning is so powerful amongst those that understand it, that it cannot be taken lightly.
Women in India know that when they are alone and feel unsafe (on the streets, or on public transport), that the safest place to be is next to a Sikh wearing a turban, because it symbolises dignity, courage, and for them, protection. This is still true today.
Whilst this is only one aspect the turban represents, its an insight into how powerful it is in the minds of humans who are aware of it, whether the wearer or not.
Wearing a turban is a promise to have a clear mind and heart, and to act in good faith at all times, for everyone involved.
I’m in the early days, but I really look forward to the day where I am wearing it full time, and grow my hair. Who’d have thought Id go for a hair transplant in Turkey only to grow it to wear a turban! I may email the clinic to tell them exactly HOW successful their procedure went!
