Baltej Singh Dhillon stands over six-feet tall but for over 300,000 Sikhs in Canada, he is much taller. Not only is his name synonymous to a crusader -- who fought for the right of Sikhs to wear turban in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1988, he is a RCMP officer and a perfect gentleman. Born in 1966 in Malaysia, Baltej is a happily married man, who believes in family values.
Baltej Singh Dhillon
This proud Sikh, a true warrior, came out victorious in 1990 -- unscathed despite a death threat by his opponents, when he won his first ideological battle that started way back in 1988. There were a stream of protests that included over 195,000 Canadians signing petitions against Mounties wearing turbans. Baltej's opponents even filed a petition defending their case in the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Sikh in shining armor continues to inspire thousands of Sikh youth aspiring to join the RCMP. Dhillon is presently an officer in a RCMP detachment in Surrey, B.C. He works as an investigator with the task force probing the 1985 bombing of the Air India aeroplane, in which over 300 people aboard died.
Speaking to India Post, Dhillon, who was honored at Baisakhi Day recently, by Canada's Sikhs as their ideal image of a Sikh-Canadian says "we are thankful for the acceptance given in the country and, at the same time, we also must make a promise to the country -- that we will stand on guard to make Canada a better place for all to live.
As a matter of fact, I was not destined to become a crusader. Having been able to wear the turban in RCMP meant an acceptance into Canada's mainstream. To be allowed to wear the turban is a clear indication of getting accepted. I just wanted to join the RCMP as an officer and to be able to work with equal respect and dignity in every way. In fact, ever since my childhood, when I started wearing the turban, I never thought of being without it ever", says Dhillon.
Dhillon feels duty must always come first. "My foremost prayers are my doing the daily duties honestly and without any fear or favor. If we are true to ourselves, which also means doing our day-to-day tasks and responsibilities truthfully, then we can never falter. The most important thing is to have respect and love for one another and that obviously includes right to pray or worship".
A father of two daughters, Dhillon is very much a family man, who loves playing badminton and jogging with his wife and children whenever he gets time. He also likes to pamper his wife on weekends by taking over the kitchen. "We all need a break. All married men must put themselves in their wives situation and then only can they have the right perspective. I have a lot of regard and respect for women. Men might be strong physically but women are stronger emotionally. We have a lot to learn from them.
As for his word of advice to his fans and Sikh youth, who wish to join the RCMP, Dhillon says" Follow your dreams and do not compromise on your values, beliefs and high moral values. Do what you think is right. Follow the path of truth and you will never go wrong. As long as the intentions are good, one shall always win. And remember to be grateful to people who help you achieve your goals".
Baltej's favorite pastimes are watching Hindi films, with favorites ranging from Amitabh Bachan and Hema Malini, among others. He loves listening to contemporary music, especially Yanni and dancing to the Bhangra king Daler Mehndi's music. Baltej also likes to play the tabla and is a fan of Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.
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