The Brave Battle for Turban Rights | Tarsem Singh Sandhu

What this episode covers

Tarsem Singh Sandhu is a notable figure in the Sikh community for his  advocacy for the right to wear the turban while working as a bus driver  in Wolverhampton, England in the 1960s. He was one of the first Sikh bus drivers in the country to wear a turban and grow his beard and as a result faced discrimination, including a two year suspension by the Wolverhampton Transport Committee. Despite facing opposition,  Sandhu stood firm in his beliefs and refused to remove his turban,  becoming a symbol of strength and resilience for the Sikh community. His  actions paved the way for greater religious freedom in the workplace, ensured a conversation in the House of Lords and forced a change in UK law.00:00 - Introduction00:30 - Quick summary01:26 - When did you come to the UK and what was the reason for it?03:55 - What was the UK like?06:04 - Can you describe the events that took place between your arrival in the UK and becoming a bus driver?12:20 - Why did you decide to drive a bus if things were going well?17:40 - Newspapers at the time reported that you were clean-shaven when you  started your job. Is this true and what was the reason for it?18:37 - What occurred on the first day you went to work wearing a turban?20:34 - How old are you at this point?20:49 - What occurred during the two-year suspension period?21:56 - Why did you choose to move elsewhere after the two years had passed?26:28 - What was the "mad-hatters" counter protest?28:27 - What did other workers think of the agitation and how did that lead into creating the fake Indo-Pak Workers Association?29:23 - Mr Sohan Singh Jolly's declaration of self-immolation34:46 - Before Sohan Singh made the announcement, did you know?37:11 - Once Mr Sohan Singh Jolly declares to self-immolate if the turban ban isn't lifted, what happens?37:59 - Did you know of anyone who started to wear a turban because of the change you had enforced?38:34 - What has happened since the 1970s?43:30 - What do you do today?44:39 - What was Enoch Powell actually like?45:41 - How Enoch Powell helped two of Tarsem Singh Sandhu's cousins47:33 - Slight interruption...49:27 - Have you seen this Daily Mirror cartoon making light of the situation?51:01 - Conclusion51:26 - Wrapping up★ Join the Ramblings of a Sikh YouTube Channel ★ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy this podcast a coffee ★

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