OPINION:
The Sikh community urges President Obama to address the issue of discrimination on account of its diverse look, which requires wearing a turban and keeping a beard and moustache.
After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, Sikhs have been harassed and abused globally due to their differing appearance. Sikh youth are repeatedly denied jobs because of the way they look, an act which is very disappointing news for our community. Some are even asked to shave their beards and remove their turbans to get a job.
Sikhism is one of the youngest religions in the world, constituting 2 percent of India’s population. The turban, beard and moustache are essential elements of Sikh practice.
The Sikh community wants Mr. Obama to address this issue during any future visits to India with the international media so that people could be made aware of our traditions and faith worldwide. Only this will help stop hate and discrimination against Sikhs.
NARENDER SINGH
Delhi, India
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