The Turban List - recognising influential turbaned British Sikhs

The Turban List has been launched this year to recognise influential turbaned British Sikhs; including entrepreneurs, public figures, celebrities and members of the general public who have gained prominence on a national or global scale in their specialist area.

The significance of 2014 is that it marks 100 years since Sikhs fought for the British Empire in the First World War and 160 years since the first Sikh, Maharaja Duleep Singh, came to the United Kingdom. The young Prince was the last Maharaja of Punjab and custodian of the famous Kohinoor diamond. He became a firm favourite of Queen Victoria who he would accompany on Royal visits dressed in his majestic turban and traditional Sikh dress.

In modern Britain, Sikhs have become an important and hard-working influence on the British landscape and there are approximately 430,000 Sikhs throughout the United Kingdom.

Sikh history and artefacts are prominently displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London which regularly host exhibitions on Sikhs and Sikhism as does Ancient House in Norfolk which is near Elveden Estate, Thetford - the spiritual home of Maharaja Duleep Singh. It is also important to understand and highlight the contribution Sikhs made militarily to the King, Empire, and the defence of Europe. The battlefields of World War I and II saw an estimated 138,000 Sikh soldiers in active service.

The founders of the Turban List Jatender Singh Heer and Baljit Singh Rihal passionately believe the turban represents a striking distinctiveness and a visible means of religious and cultural self-expression.

The Turban List aims to educate, inform and create a stronger appreciation for Sikhs in all walks of life and the unique and personal style of the modern day British Sikh. They have researched individuals to form the project and salute those who endorse their cultural sovereignty by proudly wearing the turban.

Some of the nominees include Louis Vuitton’s first Sikh male model, Jatinder Durhailay, who featured in an ad campaign for the Financial Times earlier this year. He has been nominated for helping to break down barriers in the fashion world. Also featured is Dr Harpal Kumar, CEO of Cancer Research UK who was part of the team behind the #nomakeupselfie social media campaign that raised over £8m in six days. Another to grace the list is 104 year old Fauja Singh who is the world’s oldest marathon runner.

The public are able to nominate individuals online until 30th September 2014. By early 2015, The Turban List website will be supplemented with a publication and a documentary highlighting the excellence of these turbaned British Sikhs.

Nominate an influential Turbaned British Sikh today! Visit www.theturbanlist.com

Francine Fernandes