Resisting zulum
BMJ 2003; 327 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0311427 (Published 01 November 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;327:0311427
- Tej Pal Singh, fourth year medical student1
- 1University of Dundee
Proud to be both British and Sikh, I come from a family who believe that integration into British society at all levels without surrendering our Sikh identity is important. Although this is relatively easy for a medical student at university, growing up as a young Sikh lad did not come without its difficulties, especially in the playground--since the age of 12, I have worn a turban over my unshorn hair.
Easy to recognise
The turban is a symbol of royalty and dignity, which has historically been held in high esteem in Eastern cultures. However, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, transformed this cultural symbol into a religious requirement for Sikhs. This meant that the long unshorn hair, itself a symbol of spirituality and an acceptance of God's will, could …
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