Chirag Veer Singh Sarao becomes first Sikh American to join U.S. Air Force Academy
Chirag Veer Singh Sarao has become the first keshdhari Sikh American to join the U.S. Air Force Academy. He received a religious accommodation to maintain his articles of faith while undergoing military training.
Why it matters
This marks a significant milestone for religious inclusivity and diversity within the United States federal service academies.
Chirag Veer Singh Sarao has become the first ‘keshdhari’ Sikh American to join the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the American Sikh Council said.
A ‘keshdhari’ Sikh maintains unshorn hair (kesh) and beard as articles of faith.
Mr. Sarao was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) on April 4 and received the ‘religious accommodation’ on June 20 to serve with his articles of faith and remain grounded in his core identity, the Council said.
He officially joined the USAF Academy on June 24, on In-Processing Day (I-Day) and is currently undergoing six weeks of boot camp.
Before joining the USAF Academy, Mr. Sarao also received full scholarships from both the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and the Naval ROTC. He was also accepted into the University of Southern California and the University of Washington.
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