Sikh British soldier feel`s proud as Queen waves him

H S Rao

London, Aug 1 (PTI) Days after becoming one of the
first Sikh guards at the Buckhingam palace, Signaller
Simranjit Singh, says his proudest moment on duty was when
Queen Elizabeth II gave him a wave.

"That was a good day," he told newsmen modestly.
"Things like that do matter to you as a soldier when you are
doing your job protecting the Queen."

26-year-old Signaler Singh and Lance Corporal Sarvjit
Singh, 28, had become the first two Sikhs to join the fleet of
royal guards at the Buckingham Palace.


Lnc Cpl Singh, 28, shares the same sense of pride in
his job. The honour of being the first Sikh to take up the
prestigious role fell to Signaller Singh, 'Sim' to his
colleagues, earlier in May this year.

As a Buckingham Palace guard Signaller Singh said he
has had to adjust to the rigours of ceremonial parade, and of
course, standing motionless for up to two hours at a time
while tourists do their very best to raise a smile.

"People do try to make me laugh," the soldier said.
"They have made me smile a couple of times but not laugh.
I'm there to do my job and I try to do my best."

Born in India, he came to Britain as a teenager and
worked as a clerk in the National Health Service before
joining the Army in 2006. He has uncles serving in the
Indian Army and a grandfather who served with the British
Army in Burma.

His family are incredibly proud, he said, of his
latest role.
Lance Corporal Sarvjit Singh was born in India in
1981, but came to England in 2000 when his father was working
with the High commission. He joined the Army Air corps four
years later.

Due to marry later this year, the soldier has another
month of Royal duty. He said it was "hard work" training for
drill movements, and for the long periods standing stock
still, but worth it.

A medal marking the fact he has served in Afghanistan
adorns his tunic. But Lnc Cpl Singh said that for his
family, the greater emotional impact came when he told them
he was guarding the Queen.

"I feel very, very proud to have this honour," he
said. As for being a soldier and a Sikh he said he was treated
like everyone else.

Turbans, long hair and beards are considered a
mandatory religious uniform for all Sikhs. PTI