Will invite my assaulters to gurudwara: Sikh professor attacked in US

(NDTV) – I want to live in a community where somebody feels comfortable asking me what is on your head, why do you have that beard, what are you doing here, are you American. We should be able to ask those questions.

A Sikh professor, who was brutally attacked and injured by a mob of up to 30 people who called him “Osama” and “terrorist” in NewYork, has said he would invite the attackers to visit the Gurudwara and interact with members of the community to better understand his faith.

Prabhjot Singh, assistant professor at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, said it is “absolutely critical” to work with students and community organisations to spread awareness about other faiths and religions.

“If I could speak to my attackers, I would ask them if they had any questions, if they knew what they were doing. Maybe invite them to the Gurudwara where we worship, get to know who we are… Make sure they have an opportunity to move past this as well,” a sombre looking Prabhjot, wearing a blue turban, said in a press conference yesterday.

Mr Singh was brutally attacked by about 20-30 young men who repeatedly punched him and “pulled his beard” as he was walking in the city’s Harlem neighbourhood on Saturday night. 

He was rushed to a local hospital, where he also works as a physician, and admitted with severe bruising, swelling, small puncture in his elbow and fracture in his lower jaw.

The New York Police Department has released a surveillance video of the suspects believed to be involved in the attack. The grainy clip shows a group of young 15-20 suspects riding their bikes shortly before they encountered Mr Singh.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/will-invite-my-assaulters-to-gurudwara-sikh-professor-attacked-in-us-422898