Sikh- Canadian Karambir Singh Kang becomes Canada’s 1st bearded Sikh Marine engineer

Sikh employees in Canada have long faced difficulties in maintaining their religious identity in the workplace

TORONTO (TIP): For years, workplace rules around beards and turbans created barriers for Sikhs in maritime roles. And now, after nearly four years of efforts and struggle, success has been achieved for Sikh employees in Canada.Karambir Singh Kang from Kang village in Dhariwal, Gurdaspur, is now the first Sikh marine engineer in Canada to serve while keeping a beard.

In this case, the way to remove the discriminatory rules was cleared after an agreement was reached between the World Sikh Organisation and the BC Ferries and Marine Works Union. This resulted in Kang being appointed a marine engineer at BC Ferries, while keeping a beard.

In another milestone, Gurpreet Bajwa has become the first turbaned Sikh deck officer and captain at the organization. This achievement is considered a significant step for the Sikh community.

Danish Singh, president of the World Sikh Organisation, expressed joy at this. He said the decision represents a major step towards equality and rights in British Columbia.
(With inputs from TNS)