1. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 1 Why I Wear a Turban! 6 th grade Middle School

2. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 2 99% of people wearing turbans in America are Sikhs I am a Sikh Sikhs are not Muslims or Hindus, but have a distinct religion called Sikhism

3. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 3 Sikhism is the 5 th Largest Religion in the World 1. Christianity -2 billion 2. Islam – 1.3 billion 3. Hinduism – 900 million 4. Budhism – 360 million 5. Sikhism – 24 million 6. Judaism – 16 million

4. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 4 Sikhs came to America over a 100 years ago Sikhs came from India There are half a million Sikhs today in North America

5. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 5 Sikhs are– doctors, engineers, teachers, scientists, and athletes Nuvraj Bassi, 6’6”, 290 lbs, Defensive Tackle, Univ of Oregon Simran Singh, Captain Soccer O’Connor High School, Texas

6. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 6 Sikhism is the World’s Newest Religion – Strict Code of Conduct l DO’s l Equality for all l Men and Women have same rights l Freedom and Liberty for all l Protect yours and others rights l Honest living l Strong work ethic l Share your fortunes l Give to the needy l Remember God l Spiritual, Mental and Physical balance l DON’Ts l Smoking l Drugs l Alchohol Founded in 1500s by Guru Nanak

7. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 7 Sikh’s are given a Unique Identity symbolizing discipline and spirituality All Sikhs wear 5 symbols Uncut Hair (Kesh) SPIRITUALITY Comb (Kanga) CLEANLINESS Sword (Kirpan) PROTECTION Long Underpants (Kucha) SELF DISCIPLINE Iron Bracelet (Kara) GOOD DEEDS

8. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 8 Sikh Americans – Protect Freedom and Liberty for all l Sikhs Americans have deep Values l Freedom, Equality and Inalienable Rights l The Turban signifies a high moral code of conduct

9. Copyright 2003, Sikh Communications Council 9 Questions and Answers 1. Why do you wear a turban? l Sikhs wear turbans to cover their long hair which is a requirement of their religion 2. How long is the turban and does the color mean anything? l A turban is usually 10 feet long and is tied every time. You can wear any color. 3. How long and when do you have to wear a turban? l You can wear a turban wherever and whenever. For sports a smaller scarf-like turban, sometimes called a mini-turban, is worn. 4. How long is your hair? l Hair length varies from shoulder length to waist length. Hair stops growing after a while. 5. Do you have any eating restrictions? l None. 6. Do you have any other religious restrictions? l Smoking, drugs and alcohol are prohibited for obvious reasons.