Thanks to the Sikhlens Foundation, the Leatherby Libraries is proud to host the landmark photography exhibition, Sikh: Turban and Identity by Amit and Naroop. Currently on view until January 15, 2018 in the Doy and Dee Henley Reading Room on the second floor of the Leatherby Libraries.

British photographers Amit and Naroop partnered with The Sikh Coalition to develop this photography project, which encompasses a total of 38 Sikh American portraits. These images embody the beauty, resilience, and perseverance of Sikh men and women 15 years after September 11th. It is worth mentioning that this is the fifth year that the Leatherby Libraries has hosted an exhibition in collaboration with Sikhlens!

The exhibition was first launched in New York City in September 2016 to critical acclaim, and it is praised for its unique and overwhelmingly positive stories about Sikhs in America. The project has been featured in articles by HuffPost, the BBC, and more.

From left to right: Shawn VanDiver, Jeff Swimmer, Lieutenant Colonel Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi,  and Pavneet Mac.

At the opening reception on Thursday, November 16, 2017, visitors heard the story of Lieutenant Colonel Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi and were treated to a panel discussion featuring the speaker, as well as Jeff Swimmer, Professor and Faculty member at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and Shawn VanDiver, Director of the Truman National Security Project’s San Diego chapter. The panel was moderated by Labor & Employment defense attorney, Pavneet Mac. A recording of this event is available on our Facebook page.

The opening reception of this exhibition launched this year’s Sikh Arts & Film Festival (November 17-19, 2017). Sikhlens, The World’s Premier Sikh Film Festival seeks to provide an outlet for sharing Sikh heritage and culture with the rest of the world by creating awareness for work that is “Sikh-centric,” showcasing our talent, and instilling pride in our community. Sikhlens seeks work from artists in a variety of fields, including but not limited to movies, books, music, and art. It creates appropriate avenues for this work to be shared with the rest of the world with the aim of getting more exposure for the presenters; and at the same time creating awareness about Sikhs.

Did you know that the Leatherby Libraries has a Sikhs and Sikhism in America Group Study Room? In this study room, students can study and conduct their research, while learning about the Sikh community’s culture, religion, artistry and long tradition of serving in the U.S. military. This room is located in room 208 on the 2nd floor of the Leatherby Libraries in the Attallah Library of Arts & Humanities and Fine Arts Collection. This room is available for booking on the Leatherby Libraries website, for all Chapman Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni.