30/04/2022
When the time is right, I will share specifics but right now, I would simply like to raise awareness.
This week, my 7 year old son was told (not just once but in excess of five times) to remove or cover up his Kara in a learning environment (Not his school) He knew his rights and simply refused for which I am immensely proud of him. However the repeated request for him to remove his Kara or face exclusion from the activity was a violation of his human rights and a form of discrimination as outlined it various pieces of legislation.
This is because the Panj Kakkars (Five K’s) are protected articles of faith. The Kara is not an item of jewellery. Removal is optional and cannot be demanded or enforced.
Whilst a request to cover the Five K’s can be made due to health and safety reasons for example, there must be reasonable grounds with relevant policies and risk assessments in place to account for the decision making. This was not the case either. Therefore invalidating the request for it to be covered up instead.
If saddens me that fellow students then also told my son to ‘take it off’ I understand they are only children and it wasn’t malicious but it does not make it acceptable.
We must all learn to respect one another, celebrate our differences and teach our children to the same.
In the words of our Gurus ‘manas ki jat sabhe eke paihcanbo – recognise all of mankind as a single caste of humanity’
Regardless of who we are or where we come from, we should never forget to stand up for our rights, protect, defend and exercise them.