|
|
He said his department is in the "people business"; therefore, it is essential to learn about different ethnic and religious backgrounds for bridge-building purposes.
Sikhs, often confused with Arabs and Muslims by outsiders, come from the Punjab region, which today is split between Pakistan and India. This case of mistaken identity has resulted in numerous hate crimes being leveled against them across the country, especially since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
In India, most Sikhs -- known for their distinctive turbans -- are either farmers or soldiers.
Guru Nanak Dev, the religion’s founder, combined aspects of Hinduism and Islam when he founded the monotheistic religion in the early 16th century.
"Sikhs first arrived in America in the late 1890s, and they came from Hong Kong and China," said Baljeet Singh of Chester Springs, the lecturer at the June 12 meeting. "During the 1920s there was a reverse migration back to India to help in the struggle for freedom against the British."
Singh said Philadelphia has a sizable Sikh community, as does King of Prussia, but members of his community have begun migrating into northern Chester County as the suburbs have grown.
He said area Sikhs have a place of worship, known as a Gurdwara, in Upper Darby.
Male members of the Sikh community place religious significance on their distinctive turbans; and kirpans, ceremonial daggers worn by Sikh men, have meaning similar to a cross for a Christians or a Star of David for Jews.
"Kirpan is an article of faith, and Sikhs wear it with no criminal intent," Singh said.
He said members of his religion have been prosecuted in places for wearing their kirpans, which he said most Sikh men wear out of view under their clothing.
He said the ceremonial weapon should be treated like any other personal possession in cases where officers are forced to arrest Sikhs carrying them.
Hareet Singh, another Sikh in the audience, said there have been cases since Sept. 11, 2001, especially in airports, where Sikh men have been ordered to remove their turbans.
In the Sikh religion, he said, ordering a Sikh man to remove his turban in public is akin to ordering him to undress in public for a strip search.
"If you want a Sikh to remove his turban, make sure you have a place where he can do it in private," Baljeet Singh said.
He said he was grateful for DeMarco’s interest in his culture and religion.
"I really appreciate this," Baljeet Singh said. "I appreciate the effort to be more prepared to handle people from diverse communities."
Supervisor Kevin Kerr, who attended the seminar, said these types of exercises boost his confidence in the township’s police force because it helps change the community and make it more sensitive to other cultures.
"This was very informative," said Detective Tom Jones. "Every culture has different traditions, and it was very interesting learning about the turban, kirpans and their religious beliefs."
Jones said Americans have a lot to learn from Sikhs and vice versa.
To contact staff writer John Rossomando, send an e-mail to jrossomando@dailylocal.com.
