Why do you try so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out? This quote was included in the SMU Student Association welfare package. I’m not sure what they were trying to achieve with it – perhaps reminding SMU students they were meant to be different – but it really stuck a chord with me.

 

Maybe i’m biased, but in Singapore – and most part of the developed world – you can’t get any more different wearing a turban on your head. Since the days in playschool, a Sikh kid would be the only one with something extra on his head. If my calculations are correct, the ratio of turbaned individuals to non turbaned individuals is 1:3000.

 

People enquire, tease and sometimes turn out right prejudice towards it. As a result, some Sikhs shy away and try their best to blend in.

 

Some choose to cut their hair – not in the disbelief of the religion – but in the fear of being different. Don’t get me wrong; I have no disdain over Sikhs that cut their hair because of a lack of interest/belief in religion/long hair. Everyone has the right to choose. I only experience a great heartache when Sikhs cut their hair because they want to fit in. The sad reality is that they never fit in with themselves. How can they fit in with others?

 

You were born to be different, why do you try to fit in? I say, embrace your difference young man! Use it to your advantage. Let yourself be recognized by your turban so everybody takes notice of you whenever you enter the room. Where impressions matter, you leave the biggest!

 

It is difficult. Yes, tell me about it. Keeping neat is hard. I struggle with that. I try, sometimes I get it horribly wrong, and I feel conscious about my looks. But if you actually dedicate sometime every morning to your appearance, you can make your turban and beard look perfect. Its just how much you are willing to put in the effort.

 

Embrace the challenge I say. Wear your turban proud. Wear it well. Stand confident of your appearance and your presence will radiate. When people see you comfortable in your own skin, different from the rest, they’ll respect you.