Annual Sikh event to end stereotypes brings community together
On March 7, the Sikh Student Association (SSA) put on their annual Turban Up event at the University of Guelph to work on ending the stigma associated with wearing turbans and addressing stereotypes facing Sikhs in the Guelph community. The event raises awareness for the Sikh community in Guelph and brings individuals of Sikh descent at the University together, whether they are international students or from a city without a large Sikh community.
Turban Up is a massive event that occurs across most Ontario universities. There are also larger events that take place in downtown Toronto and New York, spreading awareness of the cultural and spiritual teachings and practices of Sikhism.
An executive member of the SSA spoke with The Ontarion to give some insight into the event.
“The main purpose about Turban Up is to raise awareness about Sikhism,” said Shahzeb Singh Lotey, the community outreach executive member of SSA and third-year human kinetics major.
Lotey also said that it is essential for the campus to gain insight into the importance of Sikhism and to learn how to treat someone who looks a little different than the rest of society.
“A Sikh is supposed to stand out, someone walked in with a long beard wearing a turban, you would notice that no matter what, they would look different even in India,” he continued.
“We find that a lot of people, when something is unfamiliar around them, are afraid to ask because people don’t want to come out as rude or racist. Obviously, no one is going to come and ask you, so what we do is put ourselves out there. We want people to ask questions.”
SSA members realize that sometimes it is important to get out of their comfort zones to help others understand without ignorance or through stereotypes. They accomplish that by inviting students and faculty to ask questions.
The initiative also helps new Sikh students find other members of their culture and community to connect with daily.
“A lot of people come to Guelph and expect a predominantly Caucasian population” and experience culture shock, Lotey said.
The SSA comes together to make sure members of their community realize that they are not alone here on campus because it is sometimes difficult to connect with similar people. The SSA aims to bridge that gap between Sikh people and their cultural and religious community, all while teaching Canadians and campus community members how to Turban Up.
Photo by Michael Cimesa