Screengrab taken from video posted on Facebook by Tanveer Bedi
While the world is rallying behind Indian-American actor and designer Waris Ahluwalia after he was not allowed to board an Aero Mexico flight because of his turban, here's another Sikh going public with experiences of racism. Her power-packed words have everyone hooked.
Meet Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, a 21-year-old contestant on Australia's Got Talent, whose rousing spoken word poetry on racism in Australia fetched her a standing ovation on the show on February 8. With many sharing her verse online, the poem has gone viral.
A 'first generation Australian Sikh,' Sukhjit warned that her performance would be very controversial before she went on stage, "so you better brace yourself Australia." Once on stage, she didn't mince her words and delivered a stirring account of what it's like to be a Sikh in the country.
"When a teen rips off my uncle's turban, I'm an enraged flame of pain and shame and sorrow," she said in her poem, making it clear to everyone, though, that "I'm not the one that's a freak, I'm fully Sikh."
"There was anger there, but anger with heart and humour, and it just blew me away," said judge Ian Dickson. "This is something that needs to be heard and I'm really glad you've got prime-time to say it," said judge Eddie Perfect.
All four judges gave Sukhjit a 'yes'. And you will too.
Meet Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa, a 21-year-old contestant on Australia's Got Talent, whose rousing spoken word poetry on racism in Australia fetched her a standing ovation on the show on February 8. With many sharing her verse online, the poem has gone viral.
A 'first generation Australian Sikh,' Sukhjit warned that her performance would be very controversial before she went on stage, "so you better brace yourself Australia." Once on stage, she didn't mince her words and delivered a stirring account of what it's like to be a Sikh in the country.
"When a teen rips off my uncle's turban, I'm an enraged flame of pain and shame and sorrow," she said in her poem, making it clear to everyone, though, that "I'm not the one that's a freak, I'm fully Sikh."
"There was anger there, but anger with heart and humour, and it just blew me away," said judge Ian Dickson. "This is something that needs to be heard and I'm really glad you've got prime-time to say it," said judge Eddie Perfect.
All four judges gave Sukhjit a 'yes'. And you will too.
Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa so proud of you girl. Everytime we met, I have felt so much positivity! With your charismatic and bubbly nature, you have won hearts of millions. On one hand where a sikh Actor/Designer #WarisAhluwalia was refused to board a flight and asked to remove his Turban, we need young talent like yourself to keep spreading positivity and love. Well Done Sukhjitit!!#OpportunityToEducate #humanrights #dignity #lovenotfear
Posted by Tanveer Bedi on Monday, 8 February 2016
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