Amrit Pal Singh, an engineer by profession, moved to Australia from India about three years ago.
As a new migrant, he never imagined his life would take such an interesting turn.
In January 2019, Mr Singh earned the honour of becoming the first turbaned Sikh member of the Royal Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) in WA.
“This is not a career change but something that I do in addition to my engineering job,” he told SBS Punjabi, clarifying that he is a non-commissioned officer at the ANC.
“It is an incredible feeling to be the first turbaned Sikh officer in WA. I got to know this fact when a special request was made to add the turban as part of the uniform.”
He says his inclusion also highlights the diversity and cohesion within ANC, which is essentially a youth development organisation.
Amrit Pal Singh was proud to be part of the ANC unit at Anzac Day services in Esperance this year. Source: Supplied
When and why he joined ANC
Mr Singh joined ANC as a Petty Officer in the WA branch in January 2019.
"Being in the Navy means you must be disciplined, while safeguarding the nation and the community,” he said.
Mr Singh had to make a firm commitment with his effort and time before he attained the role of Instructor of Cadets (IOC) in ANC.
“I didn’t know how to swim when I first came to Australia, and it's hard to believe that I am an instructor now, who trains and assists Navy Cadets in such activities and drills,” he adds.
“It is really a fun and rewarding way to assist in developing Australia’s young people and experience exciting and adventurous challenges."
Mr Singh hopes to continue serving in ANC throughout his life and climb through the ranks over time after gaining more experience.
Amrit Pal Singh wants to encourage more youth to join ANC. Source: Supplied
“I love serving my community, that's why I got involved with ANC. It lets me assist the cadets to develop their potential, as well as my own leadership and management skills,” he adds.
Mr Singh said he also wants to encourage youth to get involved and participate as much as they can by joining the Cadets.
“It is an absolutely great platform to grow and develop your personality. So just be part of it,” he adds.
In addition to this role, Mr Singh also enjoys being a member of State Emergency Services (SES) and Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR).
Amrit Pal Singh said that he feels proud not only as an Australian ANC member but also as a member of the Sikh faith. Source: Supplied
‘A sense of pride’ on this Anzac Day at Esperance
Esperance is a regional town located on the south coast fringe of Western Australia, approximately 720 kilometres from Perth.
Mr Singh moved to Esperance in 2017 to work as an electrical engineer with Horizon Power.
After two years, he decided to join the ANC unit of Esperance.
Mr Singh said he felt a sense of pride after being part of the ANC unit at Anzac Day* Dawn Services in Esperance this year.
"It was a really special moment for me. Being the only one wearing a turban already makes me feel distinguished in this regional town,” he said.
“Coming from a different cultural background and representing ANC while paying tribute to the fallen was definitely a great honour.”
Amrit Pal Singh said he was treated with love and compassion by the local community and the neighbourhood. Source: Supplied
‘Never felt like an outsider’
Mr Singh moved to Perth from his hometown Ludhiana in Punjab, India nearly three years ago after getting his permanent residency.
An electrical engineer by profession, Mr Singh has recently been promoted to the position of Asset Manager in Horizon Power in Esperance, WA.
“I never felt like an outsider here. I have been treated with love and compassion by this lovely community and the neighbourhood,” he adds.
“When I moved to Esperance, I was the only turbaned Sikh in the town of 15,000 people and I think I may be the only one even today.”
“With encouragement from locals, I got involved in many volunteer group activities to give back to the community which always stood by me,” he said.
Mr Singh hosts Bollywood Bhangra Beats show in the local community radio station on 103.9 Hope FM on every Saturday morning.
He is also a radio presenter with Punjabi Awaaz Perth, a Punjabi community radio station where he presents Breakfast News.
Amrit Pal Singh interviewing Paul Papalia, Tourism and Cultural Minister of WA. Source: Supplied
The importance of ‘social cohesion’
Mr Singh wants to see some input from the young migrants in order to better assimilate in Australian society.
“When you move to a new country it’s your job to assimilate and work for the betterment of society. Social cohesion is a ‘must’ if you want to be part of this society and country,” he says.
“You’ll need to break the cocoon and mingle with the local community. And to do that you must improve your communication, and learning English is just one aspect of it.”
“I also want to send a strong message to the Sikh community, especially to the youth to take pride in their cultural background and take it forward with the same dignity and respect.”
“I want to help my community and enjoy this life - this is what living in Australia is all about.”
*The Anzac and the Sikh heritage
Mr Singh said that he feels proud not only as an Australian ANC member but also as a member of the Sikh faith that provides him with the inspiration to continue serving his country.
“We have a rich history. There is undoubtedly a very strong connection with the Anzacs and the Australian Sikh heritage,” he said.
“Sikhs and Anzacs served alongside each other in Gallipoli and there are numerous other accounts of the contribution of Sikh soldiers in WW1 and WW2.”
“The history has been a testimony that we’ve always stood up and played a crucial role when it comes to safeguarding our nations.”
See this Video: Sikhs and the Australian Army
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