Jaswinder Singh was born in the Punjab city of Ludhiana in 1959, and moved to Tower Hamlets a year later. He was among the first pupils from his comprehensive school to go to university, where he studied to become a pharmacist. Now a senior manager in the National Health Service, he has been an active member of the borough’s Sikh community since a chance meeting nearly 25 years ago.
Did you have a particularly religious upbringing?
My parents are very devout Sikhs but I certainly wasn’t. Even as a very young child, I was always trying to find my own answers. When I reached adolescence, I became a bit of a rebel. I didn’t wear a turban, I hung around with gangs and generally acted like a teenager. Then my parents introduced me to a religious teacher, Sant Baba Isher Singh Ji. He was just passing through London on his way to India, but that chance meeting changed my life. He became a mentor, a guide, a teacher and a role model all in one.
What do you think are the best things about your faith?
One of the best things is the way we provide welfare for those in need. Sharing with the needy is known as vand chhakna, and it involves donating up to 10% of one’s income. I’m also proud of the respect we give to our elders and our parents. Funnily enough, God comes fourth in our list of priorities after our mother, father and teachers – because learning is of enormous importance to Sikhs.
Does this explain why you became a governor at your children’s school?
I guess so. And believe it or not, it’s the same school I went to. But attitudes among teachers and pupils have changed beyond recognition since I was there. These days, they regard cultural and religious differences as cause for celebration.
You are closely involved with so many community activities and you’re also a magistrate. Where do you get all the energy?
I guess I draw strength by my belief that people have a duty to step in and take action when they see injustice. Besides, serving one’s community – or sewa – is another important part of Sikh life. If I find myself in need of inspiration, I always recite a line from one of our daily prayers that translates as: ‘You can think of something 100,000 times, but it won’t get done until you do it.’ Those words give me real sense of purpose combined with complete peace of mind. That’s a formidable combination!
How close are you to other members of the Sikh community where you live?
We’re indispensable to each other. Like the borough’s Jewish community, our numbers have been steadily falling in recent years. And of course, we all lead busy lives. So we may not always see each other for several weeks, sometimes months. But when the need arises, we’re there for one another. A couple of years ago, my daughter fell seriously ill and spent several months in hospital. At times, even the doctors were struggling to sound optimistic about her chances. Without the support of the community, I don’t know how our family would have got through the experience.
What is the biggest misunderstanding you have heard about your faith?
One widespread misunderstanding is that Sikhism is a hybrid between Hinduism and Islam. Of course, we have a lot in common with those religions just as we have a lot in common with most religions. For example, a belief in truth, honesty and sharing. But we are a unique religion with a unique set of beliefs. When I explain these beliefs to people, they are highly receptive.
Have you got any ambitions associated with your beliefs?
I have spoken Punjabi fluently since I was a kid. Now I’m determined to read and write it equally well. I believe reading our holy book, the Holy Granth Sahib, in its original form is essential to appreciating its true meaning. I started a Punjabi evening class last September at my local gurdwara, but once again everyday life got in the way of my good intentions. I’m planning a sabbatical in India next year, and hopefully I can make up for lost time when I’m there.
