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The Uniqueness of
Khalsa: Fremont Mayor, others say
it with Turbans
WSN
Bureau
 FREMONT:
In a dark blue turban, it was Fremont Mayor Bob Wasserman. “It's
very interesting … It feels good.”
Union City Mayor
Mark Green was strutting around in an impressive turban of his own.
“This is the best I looked all week.” Sure, everyone agreed.
Assemblyman Guy Houston, R-Livermore, also wore a turban to raise
awareness about the Sikh community.
Post 9/11, Sikhs
in America and in many others parts of the globe realized how
important it was to let the world know who they really are, and
their great religion that wishes welfare of all (Sarbat Da Bhala)
and the greatness of the Khalsa which fights for that motto. Looks
were important as a Sikh is known by the turban he sports just as he
is identified by the ideals he espouses.
No wonder the
idea of celebrating the International Turban Day was a natural
outcome of the necessity.
This Vaisakhi,
there was a new fervour to the idea. The Jewish mayor of Fremont,
Bob Wasserman, was keen to tie a turban to get the feel of the real
thing, but what it will do for the Sikhs in the long run is to send
a message that Turbaned people are people very much part of the
American society.
So the "Sikh
Turban Day," part of the international movement that was launched
five years ago, witnessed Mayor Bob Wasserman visiting the Fremont
Sikh gurdwara last Sunday. This was the first time he was trying on
the turban, but he sure knew the importance of his action. “It's
just a way of showing unity and understanding for each other's
culture,” he said.
The Union City
Mayor Mark Greene and Assemblyman Guy Houston, R-Livermore, were
also there, similar plans ready. For the Sikhs, it was a wonderful
opportunity to tell them about the importance of Vaisakhi, the
founding of the Khalsa and the basic tenets of this religion.
 Interestingly,
the local Mercury news reported that
Houston's
spokesman Keith Ochwat, a Catholic, had worn a turban at earlier
times and planned to bring his own from home this year.
San Jose’s
gurdwara also has similar plans for a function on April 26 at the
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds and turbans will be available for the
asking. Participants in the past have included Mayor Chuck Reed,
Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and Santa Clara County Supervisor Pete
McHugh.
Many often liken
the idea of a Sikh Turban Day to the Irish wearing green on St.
Patrick's Day or Chinese wearing red on New Year's.
16
April 2008
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