ਬਾਣੇ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ । The Power of 'Baana' (our dress)...

Yesterday, whilst attending the London 1984 remembrance march, I was remembering a conversation I had with the late Bhai Nirmal Singh ji (1963 - 2009). Bhai Nirmal Singh, for those who don't know, was a Sikh youth leader and dedicated sevadaar of the Khalsa Panth with an undying passion for educating and inspiring youth towards Sikhi. From the early 1990s, he was instrumental in starting up Sikh societies in colleges and universities across the UK and continued to support these societies and various other organisations in a voluntary capacity throughout his lifetime. Through his voluntary work at youth camps, gurdwaras, universities and colleges, he inspired countless youngsters into becoming Gursikhs and getting involved in voluntary work.

Sikh protest in London 1978 after the Amritsar massacre

So yesterday, I remembered a conversation I had with Bhai Sahib. He was shared how he wasn't born into Gursikhi, and before becoming a Gursikh he had a skin-head (totally shaven-head and face) and knew little about Sikhi, let alone follow it. However, the turning point was 1978. After the 1978 bloody massacre of Amritsar where 13 Gursikhs attained martyrdom, there was a protest rally held in London, which Bhai Nirmal Singh attended.

Bhai Jarnail Singh in front centre wearing blue Baana and an organe Dumaala

He said, in the first time in his life, he saw a Khalsa dressed in full Gurmukhi (Gurmat orientated) Baana (dress). The person who he saw in Baana was Bhai Jarnail Singh Ji of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha UK. Referring to himself, he said, "a young skin-head youngster who was distanced from Sikhi became inspired to keep his Kes (hair) and take Amrit by having Darshan (the sight) of a Gursikh wearing Baana and looking Chardikala."

Bhai Nirmal Singh in 1980s after taking Amrit

This story stresses that sometimes its not just speeches or literature that can change someone's life, but just someone's appearance. Wearing a Gurmukhi Baana is a huge seva in itself in projecting the immortality of the Khalsa and the glory of the Guru. I hope this story inspires other youngsters to wear Baana, especially at events, to honour the Shaheeds who died and fought for our unique identity as well as do our small Seva in perhaps inspiring someone towards Sikhi.