Interview: GURINDER SINGH KHALSA On The Short Film SINGH Made on His Life

When Gurinder Singh Khalsa, a young Indian boy from a small village in Patiala came to India, he had big dreams for himself. But about two decades later he has not only fulfilled his dreams, he says the biggest happiness comes when young men from my village get inspired and resolve to make it bigger for them.

Singh Khalsa, who is an activist and a prominent community leader was recently in news again when a new short film, depicting his brave journey and fight for his beliefs came about. An 18-year-old film maker, Jenna Ruiz from Indiana, chose to make a short documentary film on him.

Taking out time in between his engagements involving his recent announcement of running for Office, Singh Khalsa tell BWW everything about his journey and the incident in 2007 that sparked a national and international interest.

Singh Khalsa says, "In 2007, I was traveling from a New York airport when I was denied the right to board a flight until I removed my turban. This was despite the fact, that i has passed every security measure." For Sikhs around the world, a turban is an article of their faith and removing it is considered as disrespect. Singh Khalsa tried explaining this to the officials. Singh Khalsa says, "It was a trying time for me because I was traveling to see my mother in her last days but I also respected my faith and I did not want to remove the turban." He did the unthinkable. He chose to miss his flight and traveled to Canada instead by road and talked about his dilemma to a local Media House. But Singh Khalsa did not end the chapter there. he says, "I took it upon myself to educate people on this Sikh belief and faith and also help Sikhs around the world by making the authorities take note of their religious beliefs." He adds, "The year after the incident i traveled across the length ands breadth of America, spoke to people, got signatures, got the petitions signed, presented the issue to congressmen and finally was able to get a change in regulation to require reasonable accommodation of religion and articles of faith throughout the national security system and society."

Singh's powerful journey has been documented in the film which is shot at Indianapolis airport. The main purpose of the film, according to Singh is to get people's confidence and to assure them that if they are on the right path things will shape up for them.

Singh who is a active member of the community, has roots deep in his country of origin and continues to enjoy a great following in India. His film is just an extension of his personality. Amongst other things, he says, "It was his will to pursue his rights in an informed way, that made all the difference."

Link to the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zjmxu2HzcU

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