Sikh Man Who Removed Turban To Aid Bleeding Boy Receives Reward In New Zealand

A Sikh man in New Zealand who removed his turban to help a wounded boy hit by a car has received praise from around the world and an unexpected reward. Harman Singh, saw a child bleeding on the ground following a car accident in Auckland on May 15.

“I was thinking about the accident and I just thought he needs something on his head because he’s bleeding. That’s my job -- to help,” said the 22-year-old Sikh man in an interview with the New Zealand Herald. He broke religious protocol and removed his turban outside his home to aid the 5-year-old Daejon Pahia.

A passerby who witnessed the scene took a photo of the man helping the child. Singh and others in the area stayed with the boy until emergency services had arrived.

Images of Singh putting his turban under the bleeding child’s head went viral on the Internet. His Facebook page was filled with messages of gratitude from New Zealanders and others around the world. The wearing of a turban is obligatory for a Sikh man and is only removed in the privacy of his home, reports the Inquisitr.

Gagan Dhillon was on his way to work when he saw the accident and stopped to see if h he could help. “There was enough help as there was, but being a Sikh myself, I know what type of respect the turban has. People just don’t take it off -- people die over it,” said Dhillon. He noted that Singh did not care if his head was exposed to the public since he only wanted to help the boy.

When a local television crew visited his home for an interview, they found Singh living in modest conditions with only a mattress to sleep on and some plastic furniture. Singh said he was in New Zealand on a business studies course.

The One News TV crew returned to his house after a few days for a second interview and a surprise for the Sikh man. When the reporter asked him if he wanted to add to furnish his house one day, Singh said he would. He was then asked to go outside where a local business owner surprised him with new furniture including a bed and coffee table.

Singh broke down and said “Thank you I’m very happy” before sobbing. He visited the child he helped, who is now recovering in Auckland’s Starship Children’s Hospital.

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