Innocent Sikhs have been targeted across the country following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, whose alleged use of a dagger resulted in the tragic death of Henry Nowak. This weapon has been wrongly described as a Kirpan. A Kirpan is not a dagger: it is a small ceremonial blade whose name comes from Punjabi language words kirpa (grace, mercy, compassion) and aan (honour, dignity). Since 1699, initiated Sikhs have been both permitted and required by their faith to carry it worldwide, as a symbol of responsibility, not violence.
It is unfortunate that after Henry Nowak’s murder there is unprecedented hostility against the Sikh community as a result of which the community has had to launch a national hate crime reporting website. Many Sikhs have been spat at, abused, or told to “leave the country”. They don’t realise that Sikh soldiers once helped save the British Empire that had taken their own kingdom. Their courage so moved Queen Victoria that she recorded their bravery in her personal diary, honoured Sikh veterans at Windsor Castle, and went on to recruit more Sikhs into imperial service than any other community.
Ryad Khodabocus, Head of Luton Council of Faiths, reflected on the painful double standards faced by minority groups. “When an individual from a minority background commits a crime, the entire community is held accountable. Yet thousands from the same community contribute positively as teachers, doctors, carers, engineers, volunteers, business owners and public servants.”
He added, “The mistake of one individual becomes the fault of the entire community. The achievements of millions become irrelevant. The good is explained away. The bad is amplified.”
Ryad also warned of the dangers of forming opinions without genuine contact. “Many who spread fear about minoritised faith communities have never visited a Mosque, Gurdwara, Mandir, Synagogue, or even a church outside their own tradition. Instead, their understanding is shaped by headlines, social media clips, influencers, or a single negative encounter that becomes the lens through which an entire community is judged.”
For nearly 30 years, the Luton Council of Faiths, Grassroots & Near Neighbours Programmes have worked to build friendships across communities. We have learned that understanding begins with curiosity, conversation, and a willingness to learn. Dialogue is not about erasing differences. It is about building relationships.
Luton Sikh Soup Kitchen has been serving a free hot meal outside Luton Town Centre every Sunday evening since 2021.