Common Misconceptions

Sikhs are often victims of misrepresentation by the media, which is generally well intentioned but does not have all the facts.  These misconceptions germinated in the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, when a turban and beard became associated with Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban. The Sikhs continue in their struggle to create a mutually beneficial relationship with the media, enabling an accurate and fair representation of the Sikh experience in North America and in Punjab, the Sikh Homeland. 


Misconception #1: Sikhs are Indians

Sikhism is a religion. Indian is a nationality. Most Sikhs in the world are still concentrated in India, making up 2% of the country's population. However, there are also Sikhs from Indonesia, Japan, France, UK, Kenya, Canada, the United States and countless other countries. 

Misconception #2: Sikhs are terrorist

Like most religions,  Sikhs are against terrorism. Sikhs strongly condemn killing innocent people. In fact, Sikhs are commanded to defend the innocent and fight against oppression. Sikhism preaches to resort to violence only when all other means of resolution have failed. The kirpan worn by Sikhs is NOT a weapon and is NOT a knife. The kirpan is a gift of God. Sikhs support defending the innocent not harming them.

Misconception #3:  Sikhs are the same as Muslims

The reality is that 95% of all men with turbans and beards are Sikhs. While it is true that some Muslims wear turbans, the majority of people in the world wearing a turban are Sikhs. Sikh males, and even some females, wear a turban to keep their long, uncut hair neat. Muslims, even those who wear turbans cut their hair. 


Misconception #4: Women are subservient to men.
Sikhism recognizes the complete equality between men and women in all spheres of life.

Satkirin Kaur Khalsa is the most famous Sikh Kirtan singer of America. Kirtan is a Sikh devotional music. She has the honor of singing the prayer for the opening ceremony of the 2009 United Nations General Assembly on Climate Change. She has performed in many countries and hosts a Kudalini Yoga show at JUS Punjabi TV.