New Zealand welcomes its first turbaned Sikh officer
Jagmohan Malhi has become New Zealand’s first officer to wear the custom police turban. Following in the footsteps of the British constabalry (who also have specially tailored turbans), and the MTA, New Zealand 
adopted the new attire after Malhi’s campaign to include the turban in the uniform.
Interestingly, Malhi discusses the many challenges and accommodations he’s made since coming to the New Zealand, including cutting his kes and dari when he first arrived. I found this move towards practice really interesting; Malhi mentioned that he wanted to make this possible out of respect for his dying father’s wishes.
Is this the “right” rationale for this move? On one hand, I think it’s admirable and important for there to be the option and existence of visible Sikh officers in New Zealand’s police force. On the other hand, how do we make this possible, and how do people come to this place?
18 Responses to “New Zealand welcomes its first turbaned Sikh officer”
Cool. Good for him and good for Kiwis for not making him sue for this. He bears some resemblance to Gurpreet Ghuggi…
Cool. Good for him and good for Kiwis for not making him sue for this. He bears some resemblance to Gurpreet Ghuggi…
[quote comment="5696"]Cool. Good for him and good for Kiwis for not making him sue for this. He bears some resemblance to Gurpreet Ghuggi…[/quote]
Since has already been agreed with Police Administrators, Why would any Kiwi sue him for this now?
He had been in Job for last three years without hair and now he is returning back to turban
cheers
[quote comment=”5696″]Cool. Good for him and good for Kiwis for not making him sue for this. He bears some resemblance to Gurpreet Ghuggi…[/quote]
Since has already been agreed with Police Administrators, Why would any Kiwi sue him for this now?
He had been in Job for last three years without hair and now he is returning back to turban
cheers
jagjinder ji you misunderstood me-i said good for kiwis that they did not make HIM sue for this-meaning that its a good thing that Mr Malhi was able to get the Kiwis to let him wear the turban without having to resort to a lawsuit just to be able to wear the turban…
jagjinder ji you misunderstood me-i said good for kiwis that they did not make HIM sue for this-meaning that its a good thing that Mr Malhi was able to get the Kiwis to let him wear the turban without having to resort to a lawsuit just to be able to wear the turban…
Comment from Verpal Singh, The Sikh Centre, NZ
Dear Editor, Your news story on the first turbaned police officer of New Zealand is not correct. The information on which this and other stories were based, was also not correct. For instance:
1. No changes were required to be made in police rules around facial hair.
2. There is no specially designed police cap for Sikh police officers.
3. Constable Jagmohan Malhi had no role in the process of establishing the protocols around Turban as part of uniform of practicing-Sikh Police Officers.
4. As turban is an extension of unshorn hair (an article of faith for the practicing Sikhs), the right to wear a turban is guaranteed under New Zealand laws on freedom of religion.
5. Till November 2007 the need for incorporating the turban in NZ Police Uniform did not arise as no turbaned Sikh had sought to join the police. The need arose when Amaninder Singh decided to do so. Once he started moving through the recruitment process, the NZ Police responded to the impending need and worked to fulfill it.
The whole story behind this event may be found at the following link: http://sikhcentre.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/first-…
Though both Police Officers are a cause for pride for the Sikhs of New Zealand, I am disappointed at the lack of any research by journalists into how all this came about.
Regards, Verpal Singh
Chairperson, The Sikh Centre
Secretary, Sikh Council of New Zealand Incorporated PO Box 76730 Manukau City Auckland, New Zealand
Comment from Verpal Singh, The Sikh Centre, NZ
Dear Editor, Your news story on the first turbaned police officer of New Zealand is not correct. The information on which this and other stories were based, was also not correct. For instance:
1. No changes were required to be made in police rules around facial hair.
2. There is no specially designed police cap for Sikh police officers.
3. Constable Jagmohan Malhi had no role in the process of establishing the protocols around Turban as part of uniform of practicing-Sikh Police Officers.
4. As turban is an extension of unshorn hair (an article of faith for the practicing Sikhs), the right to wear a turban is guaranteed under New Zealand laws on freedom of religion.
5. Till November 2007 the need for incorporating the turban in NZ Police Uniform did not arise as no turbaned Sikh had sought to join the police. The need arose when Amaninder Singh decided to do so. Once he started moving through the recruitment process, the NZ Police responded to the impending need and worked to fulfill it.
The whole story behind this event may be found at the following link: http://sikhcentre.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/first-turbaned-police-officer-of-new-zealand/
Though both Police Officers are a cause for pride for the Sikhs of New Zealand, I am disappointed at the lack of any research by journalists into how all this came about.
Regards, Verpal Singh
Chairperson, The Sikh Centre
Secretary, Sikh Council of New Zealand Incorporated PO Box 76730 Manukau City Auckland, New Zealand
Very nice article thank you very much… nakliyat
Very nice article thank you very much… nakliyat
Thanks for setting everyone straight Verpal Singh! Great article as far as the brother wearing the turban, make me proud to be a NZer
Thanks for setting everyone straight Verpal Singh! Great article as far as the brother wearing the turban, make me proud to be a NZer
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Proud to be a Sikh!!!!
It is a proud moment for every Sikh ….:)
The problem is solved as many of the sites are performing the task of educating people online with or without payment and they is helping people learn things by sitting in their homes in different degrees for different courses.