Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
ADVT 
International

In a historic win, Sikh graduates US Marine boot camp with articles of faith

Darpan News Desk IANS, 14 Aug, 2023 12:39 PM
  • In a historic win, Sikh graduates US Marine boot camp with articles of faith

New York, Aug 14 (IANS) A Sikh army recruit, who fought a two-year-long legal battle to keep his articles of faith, has graduated from the US Marine Corps recruit training with his turban, beard and unshorn hair, paving way for religious freedom in the American military.

Jaskirat Singh, who was shipped off for boot camp in May, graduated on August 11 after three months of hard training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

“I am honored to serve my country in the Marine Corps, and proud that I was able to do so while respecting my Sikh faith,” Jaskirat was cited as saying in a Sikh Coalition release.

“I hope that my graduation sends a clear message to other young Sikhs who are considering military service: Your faith does not have to be a barrier to any career,” he said.

"He was a squad leader throughout training," Major Joshua Pena, a spokesman for the Marine Corps Training and Education Command, told Military.com.

"He met all the standards. He's a Marine... We're really excited to see what he does with his career," Major Pena added.

Jaskirat, along with Aekash Singh and Milaap Singh Chahal, had sued the US government in April last year after the Marine Corps offered an accommodation that would require Sikhs to surrender their turbans and beards while at boot camp.

They argued that allowing Sikhs to wear religious beards would disrupt troop uniformity and appearance among the recruits, ultimately threatening national security.

In a historic move last December, the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately granted a preliminary injunction to allow Jaskirat to attend recruit training with his articles of faith.

The court cited that the present Corps' boot camp rule of cutting hair and shaving beards as a violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

“Singh (Jaskirat) is the latest in a long line of Sikhs to prove that turbans and beards pose no barrier to honorable and capable military service. Now, with a forward-looking policy change, the Marine Corps can ensure that it continues to welcome more capable recruits from all faith backgrounds,” Amandeep S. Sidhu from Winston & Strawn LLP, said.

"His achievement is yet another testament to the simple fact that no one should be made to choose between any career and their religious beliefs,” Giselle Klapper, Deputy Legal Director of the Sikh Coalition, said.

Jaskirat's case was represented by the Sikh Coalition, Winston & Strawn, the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and BakerHostetler.

Other branches of the US military -- the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard -- already accommodate the religious requirements of Sikhism.

MORE International ARTICLES

Will Afghanistan situation have bearing on global oil prices?

Will Afghanistan situation have bearing on global oil prices?
Barrons, a Dow Jones & Company publication, said that tensions in the "Middle East have the potential to lift prices." It noted that earlier JP Morgan had predicted that oil prices could touch $80 a barrel with rising demand and constraint supply.

Will Afghanistan situation have bearing on global oil prices?

Biden to address chaotic Kabul evacuation amid criticism

Biden to address chaotic Kabul evacuation amid criticism
While Biden has previously blamed Afghans for the U.S. failure to get out more allies ahead of this month's sudden Taliban takeover, U.S. officials told The Associated Press that American diplomats had formally urged weeks ago that the administration ramp up evacuation efforts.

Biden to address chaotic Kabul evacuation amid criticism

WHO issues call for experts to help with COVID origins probe

WHO issues call for experts to help with COVID origins probe
In a statement on Friday, the U.N. health agency said the new scientific group would provide the WHO with an independent analysis of the work done to date to pinpoint the origins of COVID-19 and to advise the agency on necessary next steps. The experts will also provide guidance on critical issues regarding the potential emergence of other viruses capable of triggering outbreaks, such as MERS and Ebola.

WHO issues call for experts to help with COVID origins probe

Will Taliban 2.0 fulfil its promise of an inclusive government?

Will Taliban 2.0 fulfil its promise of an inclusive government?
During their first press conference on Tuesday the Taliban pressed the right button-backing women's rights. But their promise of protecting women's rights had an important nuance: Women will enjoy freedoms but within the ambit of "Islamic law" .

Will Taliban 2.0 fulfil its promise of an inclusive government?

Taliban assure safety to Hindu, Sikhs in Kabul gurudwara

Taliban assure safety to Hindu, Sikhs in Kabul gurudwara
A contingent of persons from the Hindu and Sikh communities who are stranded in Afghanistan were provided reassurance of safety by the Taliban, media reports said. Over 300 Hindus and Sikhs are reportedly taking shelter at the Karte Parwan Gurudwara in Kabul.

Taliban assure safety to Hindu, Sikhs in Kabul gurudwara

Human Rights champion Dr.Sakena Yacoobi pleas for help amidst the Afghan crisis

Human Rights champion Dr.Sakena Yacoobi pleas for help amidst the Afghan crisis
We need humanitarian supplies. The refugee situation we updated you with last week and the week before has only deteriorated. We have 300,000 internal refugees and 80,000 children who are without shelter and food. Where we were short of supplies, now we are out. 

Human Rights champion Dr.Sakena Yacoobi pleas for help amidst the Afghan crisis