ClevelandPeople.Com
Sikh Spiritual Leader's Historic Visit to West Point

Sikh Spiritual Leader's Historic Visit to West Point
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
September 11, 2017

Giani Gurbachan Singh, the current Jathedar of the Akal Takhat and the spiritual leader of the Sikh religion, visited the United States Military Academy at West Point on September 11th, the first visit ever of a Sikh spiritual leader to any U.S. military installation.

Sikh Leaders at West Point

West Point was established in 1775 by then-General George Washington, who considered it the most important strategic position in America. The Academy traces its roots to 1801, when President Thomas Jefferson directed the creation of a school for the training of future U.S. Army officers, shortly after his inauguration. It is the oldest continuously operated military post in the United States and its campus has been designated a national historical landmark.

Sikh leaders at West Point

The Jathedar met with Brigadier General Steve Gilliland, the Commandant of West Point, and the ranking officer in the charge of student body, known as the Corps of Cadets.

Sikh Leaders at West Point

Jathedar Singh also met First Captain Simone Askew, the highest ranked cadet at the academy, and also the first African-American female to hold that position.

Jathedar Singh with Simone Askew and General Steve Gilliland

The Jathedar’s visit was particularly significant in light of the recent policy changes adopted by the U.S. Army to permit permanent religious accommodations to the Army’s uniform and grooming standards, enabling soldiers and cadets to wear turbans and maintain beards, consistent with their faith. Jathedar Singh expressed his gratitude to General Gilland and the U.S. Army for working with the first two Sikh cadets who joined the Corps of Cadets with accommodations granted under the new policy.

Sikh leader at West Point

The historic visit to West Point was facilitated by Lieutenant Colonel Kamal Singh Kalsi, the first Sikh to receive a religious accommodation in the Army in over a generation. The Army’s 2017 policy changes came after a nearly decade-long effort by Kalsi and the Sikh community.

Sikhs at West Point

Today, there are over forty practicing Sikhs soldiers proudly serving in the U.S. Army, donning their religiously-mandated turbans and beards while maintaining good order and discipline.

Sikh Leaders at West Point

Sikhs have faced hate crimes, bullying and job discrimination in the wake of 9/11. As the founder of Sikh American Veteran’s Alliance (SAVA), LTC Kalsi states, “This visit helps to push back against discrimination by promoting Sikh military service in one of our nation’s oldest and most revered institutions.”

***

Stay informed about the local Sikh community by signing up for the free Sikh eNews mailings. You can select other specific groups as well. It's easy and free.
Fill out the form for the free Sikh eNews.



***

Top of Page

Back to Cleveland Sikhs







Stay informed about
the news and special events
of the Group(s)
you choose by
signing up
for the free
ClevelandPeople.Com
e-newsletter



Follow ClevelandPeople
on Twitter

Follow ClevelandPeople on Twitter

or Cleveland People on Facebook


Like the work
of ClevelandPeople.Com?
Contribute to the cause
via Paypal







Browse over 8,000
ClevelandPeople
YouTube videos






 Copyright © 2009-2024
      Magnum Computers Inc.