Modern Day Giani

By Ayush Madan

Being part of a traditional Sikh Punjabi family, my understanding of heritage, faith and identity was deeply intertwined. Through shared language, customs, and sakhis (stories of Sikh history), I saw myself reflected in those around me. My family and friends all shared my features: jet-black hair, prominent noses, full lips and large, expressive eyes. It wasn’t until I moved to America that I encountered Sikh converts for the first time – a white couple whose devotion to Sikhism shifted my mindset, showing me my faith’s capacity to transcend race.

For Harvinder Singh, a Thai Sikh convert, this transcendence lies at the heart of his journey. Born to Buddhist parents in Thailand, Harvinder’s embrace of Sikhism was a deliberate and deeply personal choice – one that profoundly reshaped his identity and way of life. Through his popular TikTok account, Siam Singh (@harvin_der), Harvinder introduces. Thai audiences to the teachings of Sikhism, bridging cultural gaps with clarity and empathy. With over 10,000 followers and hundreds of thousands of likes, he thoughtfully addresses topics ranging from the significance of turban colours to the distinctions between Sikhis and Islam, gently and confidently correcting common misconceptions among Thais.

Harvinder’s soft-spoken yet eloquent demeanor plays a pivotal role in his ability to engage with and amass a large audience. “People are curious about my identity,” he explains, “and I enjoy sharing the beauty of Sikhism with them.” His TikTok videos, which range from vlogs with his Sikh friends to tutorials on tying different turban styles, spar curiosity and enrich people’s understanding of Sikh culture.

Guided by Sikh principles like humility, service, and respect, Harvinder finds fulfillment in sharing his beliefs and helping others see the universality of Sikh values. In his conversation with Masala, Harvinder reflects on his spiritual journey, the hurdles he’ faced as a Thai Sikh, and the joys of introducing others to his faith.

What is the origin of your name? Was it given to you by someone or did you choose it yourself?

My Thai name is Isaranupong Muenam, but most people call me Game. When I first started becoming interested in Sikhism, I naturally also wanted a Punjabi name, and the name Harvinder – meaning “brave warrior of God” – really resonated with me. I have since adopted the name, and now introduce myself as Harvinder Singh.

You have a TikTok account called Siam Singh, which now has over 10 thousand followers and hundreds of thousands of likes. How did it all begin, and how do you feel about the response from your TikTok audience?

I wanted to introduce Sikhism to Thai people. My aim is not to get people to convert to Sikhism, I simply want them to know what Sikhism is, who the Sikhs are, and what our philosophies represent. That’s why I chose the name Siam Singh to emphasise the fact that I am a Thai Sikh. I was born and raised in Thailand and attended a Thai school. I may not have any ancestral ties to Punjab or India, but I was still drawn to the Sikh faith. My TikTok audience has been very positive and curious about my life, and I have made lots of videos answering their questions. For example, a recent video I made with my friend Yahya answering the question, “How do you scratch your head with your turban on?” recieved 1.3 million views.

Could you tell Masala readers how you became interested in Sikhism?

I started developing an interest in Sikhism in 2021, sparked by a viewing of the Bollywood film Kesari (2019) starring Akshay Kumar. This movie told the story of the Battle of Saragarhi, a historical event where 21 Sikh soldiers fought valiantly to defend their outpost against 10,000 Afghan soldiers. Despite being outnumb they showed courage till the very end. Watching this movie gave me goosebumps and instilled in me the identity of Sikhs as warriors. Shortly afterward, I found a Sikh mentor Pa Saranin Phuket who helped answer my questions about the faith and its practices. After two months, I felt this was the path for me. I started tying a turban, which was difficult at first since I didn’t know how to, or even what fabric use. These days, I have no trouble with it and can tie it in minutes.

As a Thai person of Sikh faith, do you feel welcomed by the Sikh community?

Yes, both locally and abroad, the Sikh community has been fully supportive and eager to answer my questions about the faith.

How does your family feel about your life choices, faith and culture?

At first, they didn’t understand Sikhism. Seeing me wearing a turban was unusual them, so there was some resistance. But as I grew older and they saw me becoming comfortable in my new identity, they let me make my own choices.

How has your life, mindset, and relationships changed since embracing Sikhism?

I’ve become more immersed in the principles of the faith and Waheguru. I’ve also changed my lifestyle, giving up drinking and partying, which caused some friends to drift away. After my baptism in the Gurdwara, I became an Amritdhari, tethering myself to the tenets of the faith, following the Rehat Maryada, and wearing the five Ks – Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kachera and Kirpan.

Have you ever been asked by Thai, Indian or other people why you wear a turban? If so, how do you respond to this question?

I am often asked this by Thais, Indians and foreigners alike. “How come you wear a turban but you don’t look Indian?” “Are you mixed?” I always remind them tha turban is a reminder of my commitment to Sikhism. I am not mixed, I am simply someone who converted to Sikhism, and now recognise myself as part of the Sikh community.

Can you speak Punjabi or sing Shabads?

I’m still learning Punjabi, but I am making progress every week. I attend group Gurmukhi classes with Pa Rajbir on Sundays and take private lessons on Saturdays. Ironically, one of the few phrases I can confidently sayਮੈਨੂੰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਬੋਲਣੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਉਂਦੀ (“I don’t know how to speak Punjabi”). I once found myself in a funny situation when I answered a Ragi in Chiang Mai, who asked where I was from, by saying ਮੈਂ ਬੈਂਕਾਕ ਤੋਂ ਆਇਆ ਹਾਂ (“I’m from Bangkok”). The look on his face was priceless! I’ve also developed a love for Kirtan, and can now sing a few shabads. While I’m certainly not at the point where I can take the mic, I enjoy being able to participate on stage.

What message would you like to leave with Thai people about who Sikhs are?

Many Thais have heard of Sikhs but don’t really know what we stand for. Sometimes they confuse Sikhism with Islam, thinking both are the same because of our appearance. For example, it’s not uncommon for people to greet me with “As-salamu alaykum,” assuming I’m Muslim because I wear a turban. In these situations, I calmly explain, “I’m Sikh.” My goal with my content has always been to create awareness and foster understanding about who Sikhs are and what we believe. I hope that through these efforts, people come to see Sikhism as a faith deeply rooted in love, service and equality.