Speaker combats Sikh stereotypes

At the young age of 25, Ravi Singh managed to break some of the stereotypes of the Sikh religion and run for a seat in the Illinois state Legislature.

Singh lost the election last month by a small margin to his democratic opponent. But Singh said his loss is not going to stop him from pursuing a career in politics. Singh defines failures as "building blocks to becoming more successful."

The Michigan Sikh Study Circle invited Singh to speak at the Michigan League last night before University students to educate them about the difficulties and obstacles Sikhs face in American politics to kickoff Sikh Awareness Week.

LSA sophomore Shalu Tuteja, vice president of MSSC, said Singh is an example for others that students can persevere and attain success.

"He is here to talk about the Sikh American experience," Tuteja said. "It's important for Sikhs to have role models."

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Ravi Singh, who was the first Sikh candidate for a seat in the Illinois state Legislature, speaks last night to students at the Michigan League.

Singh spoke about his experiences as the first Sikh who wears a turban to be admitted to a military academy in the United States.

"Until that point, no Sikh had ever entered an all-Catholic boys school had ever worn a turban," Singh said. "Even though I was born and raised in this country - no matter what I did for the rest of my life - I knew I was different."

Singh said his parents wanted him to become a doctor. He said members of the Sikh religion are stereotyped as only being doctors, engineers or convenience store owners.

Singh described growing up in America as a Sikh as being his greatest challenge. He encouraged the audience to get involved with politics and establish themselves in any field they decide to pursue.

"It's a battle educating the ignorance of Americans," Singh said. While campaigning, he "knocked on 6,000 to 7,000 doors. For every door I knocked on, a lot of doors were slammed in my face."

He said he had to work to get people to look past his beard and turban.

"Even though I lost, we were raised to a different level," Singh said. Because of "the barriers in life sometimes we have to take the extra mile."

Singh said he began his political career in college at Valparaiso University. He became a leader on campus, serving as a student senator for two years, and was the first minority elected to be student body president. Singh also served as captain of the school's NCAA Division I golf team.

LSA first-year student Arpi Doshi said that although she is not planning to pursue a career in politics, she was inspired by Singh not to let obstacles stand in your way.

"I wanted to hear what he had to say," Doshi said. "I was really inspired by what he has gone through."

Singh said he received his masters degree in political science in nine months from Northwestern University.

Singh was chosen by Illinois Lt. Gov. Bob Kustra as his assistant. If Singh won the elections in March, he would have been the first Asian American to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Singh said he has been speaking at other universities in hopes of educating students about the Sikh faith.

"It's important to maintain your self identity," Singh said.

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