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Turbaned U.S. Army dentist urges young Sikhs to consider military careers
At a recent "Turban Day" celebration in New York City's Times Square, Lt. Col. Rattan spoke about the growing acceptance of Sikhs in the military
Sikh-American Army Reserve Lt. Col. Tejdeep Singh Rattan was interviewed by Army Reserve public affairs Soldiers during the May 11, 2024, / (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Neil W. McCabe)
Lieutenant Colonel Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a Sikh-American dentist serving in the U.S. Army urged the next generation os Sikhs to consider serving in the military as it is an important part of their cultural identity.
At a recent "Turban Day" celebration in New York City's Times Square, Lt. Col. Rattan spoke about the growing acceptance of Sikhs in the military and shared his journey from facing initial rejections for enlisting to becoming one of the first Sikh soldiers allowed to serve with a turban and beard.
“I was given an accommodation at the time to be able to go through the basic training with my turban and beard, and I'm really very much thankful to the military for giving me that chance, and they saw me going in and coming out of it successful,” he said.
“It opened the doors for everybody else,” he said, highlighting the progress made and urged any youngster interested in serving the country to get in touch with recruiters. “The doors have been opened; come serve in the Army, in the Air Force, even in the Navy and Marines as well too, as the doors are open,” he added.
Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Neil W. McCabe / Members of the traditional Sikh dance troupe Saggi performed "Gidda," a Punjabi folk wedding dance, at the May 11, 2024, Tuban Day event in Manhattan's Times Square. Army recruiters attended the event, and from the stage Army Reserve Lt. Col. Tejdeep Singh Rattan expressed gratitude for the Army's 2009 decision to allow him to serve as an observant Sikh with his turban and beard
The Turban Day event also featured remarks from Army recruiter Lt. Amarjeet Singh, who echoed Lt. Col. Rattan's sentiments. Lt. Singh spoke about how his Sikh upbringing aligned perfectly with the Army's values of service and dedication. He highlighted the importance of the turban in his identity and daily routine.
"Growing up as a Sikh, the values that were instilled into me was about selflessness, service, dedication, discipline, and integrity, which is very much similar to what we were taught in the United States Army," he said. "These align very well with each other, and that was my reason to join."
Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Neil W. McCabe / Sikh-American Gurpreet Sodhi, an investment banker, affixes a free turban on the head of a passerby at the May 11, 2024, "Turban Day" event held at Manhattan's Times Square. One of the featured speakers at the event was Army Reserve Lt. Col. Tejdeep Singh Rattan, assigned to the Army Reserve's Medical Readiness and Training Command, who told the crowd he was grateful the Army allowed him and other Sikhs to serve with their beards and turbans in uniform. (Sgt. 1st Class Neil W. McCabe) (Both speakers expressed optimism about the future of Sikh representation in the US military. Lt. Col. Rattan pointed to recent West Point graduates and mentioned the possibility of a Sikh general someday.
The importance of the Turban
Lt. Col. Rattan also addressed the significance of the turban in Sikhism. "For Sikhs, the beard and turban are central to their identity," he explained. "The turban means freedom.”
He underscored the dual nature of the turban - both cultural and religious. "For us to have a turban means a lot to us. It tells us who we are, it reminds us of our values. So I would say: 'Let Sikhs practice their faith because if they stick to their values, they'll serve this country in the most respectful way possible.'"
Singh said, "Once we put on our turban, it just gives us more confidence, and it gives us a sense of pride to go to work and accomplish the day." He also highlighted the Army’s new motto, 'Be All You Can Be,' as a reminder that the Army is really putting people first, and embacing diversity.
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Sam Patel
2024-05-16 00:00:00
BAGAWAT first step!