Karanveer Singh
Pannu
Karanveer Singh Pannu: A 19 year old Sikh-American boy, who is studying in a school in New Jersey
became a role model for all youngsters when he wrote a book on the subject of bulling of Sikh-American
children. It is a known fact that most of the Sikh children in Sikhi Saroup (with Turban and Beard) are
bullyed by their school mates and and it becomes difficult for them to explain that they are following their
religion and the beard and turban are their religious requirements. Karanveer wrote in the book what he
realized as a Sikh child. Because of his mastery over the subject he was invited to speak on the same at many
places. Thus he became an inspirational speaker. When he was invited to address the kids participating in
the annual Sikh Youth Symposium in Bakersfield, California, an unfortunate incident happend on his way
to his distination. He was forced to remove his turban by airport personnel in the US state of California.The treatment given to him hurt the very psyche of a young Sikh boy. He resisted it, but, when they threated
him that he will not be able to fly, he agreed on condition that they will give him a mirror so that he could
retie his turban.
He resisted it, but, when they threated
him that he will not be able to fly, he agreed on condition that they will give him a mirror so that he could
retie his turban. The balance of mind and the boldness with which he faced the situation make him a role
model for all the young Sikhs. His words reveal his qualities. Says he “Before I removed my turban, Agent
Hernandez asked the dreaded asinine question, ‘Is there anything we need to be aware of before you remove
your turban?’ I politely answered that there is a lot of long hair and something called the brain underneath.”The inspirational speaker is not scared and is rather determined to tell the people about Sikh identity. There
are clear instructions to the security people and they have been trained as to treat all passengers with dignity
and respect and receive periodic training regarding cultural and religious sensitivities. However, there are
people who still violate the instructions and harasse the people, particularly Sikhs. They feel in the words of
Pannu “utterly humiliated, shaken, distraught” by such an experience. There is a need that more and more
people become role models so that the coming Sikh generation does not violate Mariyada and deprive it self
of their unique identity.