Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar, a 25-year-old Guardsman who joined the Scots Guards this year, has received approval to wear a turban outside Buckingham Palace, a departure from centuries of tradition.
This decision by Army leaders has sparked controversy among Bhullar’s fellow soldiers, who have subjected him to ridicule for his turban and his choice to keep his hair and beard uncut.
Bhullar is stationed at Wellington Barracks located in Birdcage Walk, which is utilized by soldiers from the Scots Guards’ F Company, currently tasked with public duties and Queen’s guard responsibilities.
Military sources indicate that Bhullar, hailing from Birmingham, is set to parade for the first time next week. During this march with his fellow soldiers, he will be the first guardsman not to don a bearskin.
Traditionalists within the Scots Guards argue that the allowances made for Bhullar may cause the entire unit to appear ludicrous to tourists and bystanders. The regiment, which dates back to 1642, has had its soldiers wear bearskins during parades since 1832.
The concerns raised by Bhullar’s comrades have garnered support from senior figures in the Scots Guards’ regimental association. In contrast to active personnel, these retired officers possess the freedom to speak out publicly.
David Cuthill, chairman of the Dundee branch, stated, ‘The regiment should come before personal beliefs. A guardsman ceases to be a guardsman if he’s not wearing his bearskin.’
‘Centuries of tradition need safeguarding. I understand his situation, but if every other guardsman is in bearskins and he is in a turban, it will appear ridiculous.’
As a devout Sikh, Bhullar is required to wear a turban, which serves to protect his hair that he does not cut, while also keeping it clean.
For generations, Sikhs have donned turbans in battle and served in the British Army, including Bhullar’s grandfather, who fought in the Second World War. Bhullar’s father expressed pride in his son and condemned the bullying he faced.
Surinder Bhullar, 47, from Slough, Berkshire, remarked, ‘He deserves respect and will remain resolute. This includes wearing his turban instead of a bearskin, regardless of what others say. He’s practicing his religion.’
Prior to enlisting, Bhullar worked as a bricklayer. His initial desire was to join The Parachute Regiment, and in an online video, he expressed his ambition to be the first Sikh Para.
However, he left airborne training and enlisted in the Scots Guards, completing his training last month. Bhullar has shared his feelings with chaplain Mandeep Kaur, who remarked: ‘He struggled to convey to his colleagues the importance of the turban and its significance to him.’
‘It was ignorance and verbal assaults, yet he refrained from labeling it as bullying.’
‘He was determined to overcome the challenges to explain his faith, the importance of the turban, and why it holds greater significance for him than a bearskin.’
‘Bhullar is among the small group of only 20 to 25 British-born Sikhs in the British Army.’
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence noted, ‘The Army takes great pride in its diversity. Ongoing discussions are taking place between this unit, the Sikh community, and the MoD. The individual will have the complete support of the Army and his fellow soldiers.’
by Mike Hansom
