How this Baptised Sikh taught FBI about turban and kirpan

Embracing Sikhism: A Journey of Natural Evolution

American national James S Ericsson III, now a baptised Sikh called Sat Hanuman Singh, was so inspired by the teachings of Sikh gurus that he chose to embrace Sikhism. He tells Times of India about his inspirational journey and what being a Sikh means to him.

TOI: What inspired you to convert to Sikhism?
James Ericsson: It wasn’t conversion, but ‘natural evolution’. There was nothing that I was missing in Christianity. What I learnt from Jesus was practiced in Sikhism.

TOI: What is the Sikh way of life for you?
James Ericsson: Everything from not cutting your hair to living a simple life, to serving others regardless of their religion or who they are. I’ve been learning this since I became a Sikh at 21. Now I am 67, and have children and grandchildren who are Sikhs.

Facing Challenges: Standing Strong After 9/11 and Promoting Sikh Awareness

TOI: Post-9/11, Sikhs became the target of hate crime.
James Ericsson: I came to New York from Boston on September 10 to see a Sikh doctor. Then 9/11 happened, and I was stuck there till September 15. When I went home, I realised that it was my mission to bring people together. In 2006, I became the first turban-wearing Sikh to work in Transportation Security Administration (TSA ) – an agency of the US department of homeland security that has authority over the security of the traveling public – enabling me to teach others about Sikhism. I worked with other Sikh organisations in Washington, trained FBI, the state police of Oregon and other TSA officers so they would respect Sikhs, so that they understand why they wear a kirpan before they ask Sikhs to take their turbans off.
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TOI: Are you happy being a Sikh?
James Ericsson: If I wasn’t happy after 45 years I wouldn’t be here. I would have cut my hair and gone away. I can’t speak Punjabi fluently, but that doesn’t make me less of a Sikh. A Sikh is a person who understands what the guru has taught.

TOI: What example do you want to set for others?
James Ericsson: I try to be compassionate, ready to serve and unafraid. You know this ‘bana’ (Sikh robe) of Guru Gobind Singh teaches us not to be afraid as he stands with us always. This is not my turban, but the Guru’s.

Source- Times Of India