An American Sikh
Introduction
This is the first installment of Gobind Singh’s memoir, An American Sikh. It begins with his early life on the East Coast, his search for belonging, and his journey into fatherhood—the first steps on a path that would eventually lead him westward toward self-discovery and beyond. This opening chapter invites the reader into a story that is both deeply personal and universally human.
An American Sikh
I was born in New York City at a time when political unrest was widespread—just days after May Day 1971.
On Monday, May 3, 1971, police made over 12,000 arrests—the largest single-day roundup in U.S. history—after anti–Vietnam War activists attempted to block streets, bridges, and federal buildings to “shut down the government until the war ends.”
It marked the beginning of a shift—from protest culture toward activation and engagement.
My life was shaped by my mother’s sweet, loving projection and my father’s kindness and hard work.
As a child I remember being imaginative, creative, and active both in sports and in my creative mind—often deeply immersed in my own inner world.
Growing up in suburban East Coast neighborhoods near New York City, I was surrounded by families with so many children.
I had neighborhood friends—but I must say I didn’t quite “fit in.”
Yes, I was accepted by my parents, their friends, our family which was my community. However, I didn’t always feel the same warm acceptance from other people.
In some cultures, being present alone is enough to be embraced - just by being a human.
Like many American teenagers, I was searching for identity—seeking people I could call friends. I “altered” myself to blend in with those I longed to connect with.. That journey was filled with trials and tribulations.
I found that many of the friends I related to and myself frequently drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes—choices in hindsight could have been better. I see how I mimicked key aspects & attributes of my parents—who gave us so much with their hearts that recalling them brings tears.
I wasn’t a perfect child—but I was vibrant, curious, expansive with boundless energy and deeply spiritual.
In my early twenties I became a father. That shift was profound: when my daughter Megan was born, it was the most incredible moment I had ever witnessed and changed me, and helped me realize the man of who I am today.
Thank God for her health and well-being—and for her mother’s strength and fortitude.
Inspired by my family and our needs, I commuted 2 to 2.5 hours each way to work from Philadelphia to New York City—days filled with effort.
Something else opened in me too: a thirst for spiritual learning. I was raised Catholic (loosely), believing in God and praying. Over the next decade that curiosity would lead to exploring and discoveries I never imagined finding.
This is only the first step of the journey. More chapters will follow in the pages of The 108 Journal.
- Gobind Singh
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