Sikhs in Latin America

Book excerpt: This is an endeavour by the author to complete the Sikh migration map by covering countries about which little is known and hence is a pioneering effort in Diaspora studies. It has been a heart-warming experience for him to meet some of these Sikh Khalsas, at times, all alone in a big city keeping their faith against heavy odds. Then there are Singhs who have lost touch with their ancestral heritage and do not know why they are Singhs. 'Singh Khalsa' signs on shops are a sight to behold in the far corners of the globe. The spirit of Sikh enterprise is very much alive. Setting up of gurdwaras, though somewhat late, is helping rebuild connections with Sikhi and Punjab. An interesting aspect is the conversion of locals almost all over Latin America, to Sikhism, by Yogi Harbhajan's 3HO. The author has included a chapter on his student days in the USA in the late 1950s, when for the Americans, India was a land of snake charmers and Maharajas. A Sikh was considered either a Maharaja or a pauper with no money to even get a proper shave. It provides a unique contrast to the scene in Latin America. The author opens these exotic locales for the readers and introduces the early and present Sikh immigrants who are keeping the flag of this adventurous community flying.