MELBOURNE, Australia—At a gathering of the Australian Sikh Association held at a Gurdwara near Sydney, Australian PM Julia Gillard made assurances that the Sikh community would be allowed to wear turbans in workplaces and also while driving motorbikes.
The members of the Sikh association also appealed to her for approval to carry a 6 inch kirpan to workplaces. They also asked her to formulate a policy for Sikh children in schools which would protect their identity. The PM gave her assurance to implement the necessary changes keeping in mind the cultural and religious beliefs of Sikhs.
Revealing some interesting facts, the trustee of the association Balwinder Singh Chahal said that according to a recent survey, the Punjabi language and Sikh religion have shown a marked increase in growth—up to 205% from 2006 to 2011 making them the most rapidly progressing language and religion in the world.
He put forth the demand to introduce Punjabi literature and history in the school syllabus in areas of West Sydney.
As the first Austalian PM to visit a Gurdwara, Julia Gillard was presented with a picture of Darbar Sahib and a cheque of $10,000 in charity for the Westmead Hospital.
