S Preetmohan Singh is proud to be Sikh

​Khushwant Singh once told Balwant Gargi:

“I do not believe in religion. But when my son, Rahul Singh, returned from Oxford and I learned that he had cut his hair, my mother said, ‘I do not want to see my son’s face.’ I was deeply distressed. I could not sleep for several nights. It was extremely difficult for me to bear.”

I asked him, “But you never believed in any religion. Then why did it hurt you so much?”

He replied:

“I do not keep my beard and uncut hair because I believe they will bring me closer to God. I see them as the symbol of the Sikh community. When a child cuts his hair, he becomes disconnected from that community. He becomes like a vessel without a base—his identity is left unsettled, always wavering. I may criticize my own community, and I may even write against Sikh leaders, because I myself am a Sikh. This is a psychological bond, a reality that shakes one’s entire being. I have not kept my beard and hair to meet God. It is within my community, among my own people, that I find my identity and my sense of existence.”

Like Khushwant Singh, I hold a somewhat similar view about Sikhism. I have chosen to keep my beard and uncut hair not out of fear or expectation of divine reward, but because they connect me with the Sikh community and its rich heritage. They are a visible expression of my belonging and my shared identity with my Sikh brothers and sisters.

Within my community, among my own people, I find my sense of individuality and my identity. My beard and hair remind me of where I come from, the values I have inherited, and the traditions that have shaped my life. They are not merely articles of faith; they are symbols of continuity, belonging, and self-respect.

Like Khushwant Singh, I believe that one may question or criticize aspects of one’s own community, yet still remain deeply rooted in it. My Sikh identity is not just a matter of religious practice—it is an integral part of who I am. It gives me a sense of belonging, continuity, and purpose, and I am proud to carry that identity throughout my life.

​Senior Citizens’ Picnic: Among the Truly Successful

Our neighborhood senior citizens’ picnic turned out to be far more than just a social gathering. We found ourselves surrounded by exceptionally successful people, in business leaders, accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees who had spent their lives building remarkable careers and families.

Now, in the golden years of their lives, they were simply enjoying the fruits of their hard work. There was no competition, no hurry, only laughter, friendship, shared memories, and gratitude. 

Watching them reminded us that true success is not measured merely by wealth or achievements, but by the ability to cherish life’s final chapters with dignity, contentment, and good company.

For a few delightful hours, we felt privileged to be among people who had lived full and meaningful lives and were celebrating them with quiet triumph and grace.