A Kiwi man has become an instant social
media sensation after being spotted sporting a beard and turban as a part of
his newly adopted faith, in a photo shared by New Zealand Army on its Facebook
page congratulating the new graduates from Recruit Regular Force 397 at Waiouru
Military Camp.
As soon as the post came out, people on social media were in awe
of seeing a Pakeha man donning the traditional Sikh turban and beard in his
army uniform.
The man was identified as Louis Singh, formerly, Louis Talbot, who
was born and educated in Timaru, South Canterbury, who converted to Sikhism
after being inspired by the teachings of the religion.
The Indian Weekender spoke with Louis about his journey
into Sikhism, and kind of reaction does he gets from his friends, family and
beyond when people see him wearing a turban and speaking fluent Punjabi.
Louis first came across with Sikh religion in 2015 when he was
visiting a friend in Christchurch, and while having a conversation about the
faith, he felt intrigued to know more about its values, principles and
teachings.
"I went to meet Tajinder at his home, and he told me about
Sikhism, the belief in serving humanity. Subsequently, I started visiting
Gurudwara in Christchurch, first once a month and then more regularly months
passed by," Louis told The Indian
Weekender.
Louis adds that he became a part of langar
service, sat down with priests at the gurudwara and listened to their lectures,
itihaas (history), kirtans (hymns) that further strengthened his faith in
Sikhism.
"As months went by, I learnt Sikh history and Sakhis of gurus
and began learning Punjabi."
In 2018, Louis travelled to India visiting several gurudwaras
there and eventually took blessing with Amrit at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib - a
Sikh ceremony of initiation which resembles the baptism of Christianity.
Louis adds that he became a part of langar
service, sat down with priests at the gurudwara and listened to their lectures,
itihaas (history), kirtans (hymns) that further strengthened his faith in
Sikhism.
Recalling his teen days, Louis says, he
has been an active boy since his childhood and was a part of New Zealand Cadet
Forces growing up and has received several commendations being a part of
Christchurch Army Cadets.
Louis said, he joined the New Zealand Army as his duty to serve
the country.
"When I started wearing a turban and growing beard as a vital
part of being a Sikh, I was enquired by a lot of my friends- the question would
be why and what is the significance of the turban and the beard.
"When I joined the army, I was asked
about my turban and the appearance too, and upon explanation- it was received
well by NZ Army as it respects diverse religious beliefs and allowed my turban
and beard as a part of the uniform.
Louis is also learning to play the tabla and listens to kirtan to
practice and sing them and considers listening to the hymns brings peace to his
mind and soul.
Louis regards his family upbringing and values of “giving and
sharing” that he found most like that of the teachings in Sikhism.
Louis told the Indian Weekender that once he baptised into
Sikhism, he officially added 'Singh' as a surname which adds more essence to
his character.
"Louis in French stands for 'warrior' and Singh stand for
'Lion' which together 'Louis Singh' brings out a strong character to my name,”
Mr Singh said.
Dr.Gurdeep Kaur
Associate Professor
SGND Khalsa College
University of Delhi
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