Sikhs travelling through the US airports no longer need to undergo ‘humiliating’ searches of their turbans - all thanks to the efforts of Indian-born American businessman and philanthropist, Gurinder Singh Khalsa.
The 45-year-old was recently honoured with the coveted Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award for his campaign that persuaded the US authorities to change their turban screening policy at the airports.
It was in 2007 when Indiana-based Mr Singh was prevented from boarding a plane after he refused to unravel his turban - one of the five Sikh articles of faith worn to protect the Kesh (uncut hair), and which cannot be taken off in public.
"I was stopped from boarding the flight because I refused to remove my turban. I took this stand for all those who believe in religious liberty and freedom of faith," Mr Singh said in his speech during the award ceremony.
The incident invigorated something deep within Mr Singh.
He started a petition against the screening policy which eventually garnered a nationwide interest with over 67,000 signatories backing his plea for change.
As a result of his efforts, US Homeland Security changed its policy and today, all Sikhs can wear a turban through airport security and in the event where a Sikh sets off an alarm at airport body scanners, the turban is checked with a hand-held detector.
Mr Singh dedicated the award to the community who he said were the real harbingers of change.
“I dedicate this award to more than 67,000 individuals from all walks of life across America, and to one of the largest Sikh advocacy group, Sikh Coalition. Without their countless efforts change in the TSA Turban policy would not exist, “he said at the award ceremony which was attended by top state officials and eminent community leaders.
The Rosa Parks Trailblazer Award is one of three special awards conferred by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine to people or organisations that have exemplified “diversity through their hiring practices, outreach programs or have individually overcome racial or gender barriers,” as per the magazine’s website.
Rosa Parks became the face of the civil rights movement in the US after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a public bus in the state of Alabama in 1955. She died in 2005.
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