Veterans Day and South Asian Service: Honoring Legacy, Tradition, and the Path Less Taken
This Veterans Day, as we honor the sacrifices made by our armed forces, it’s a fitting time to recognize the unique contributions of South Asians in the U.S. military. Military service is not traditionally viewed as a go-to career path in South Asian communities, where professions like medicine, engineering, and law are often held in the highest regard. However, more South Asians are now taking the path of military service in America, inspired by diverse reasons, from patriotism to pursuing an unconventional career path that aligns with their own values.
At Single to Shaadi, we’ve observed a rise in South Asian veterans joining our community. They bring a unique perspective, resilience, and depth of experience to relationships, qualities that make them exceptional partners. Below, we delve into the stories and motivations of South Asians in the U.S. military, with a special look at Sikh service members who honor a centuries-old tradition of protection and duty.
A New Path in the South Asian Community
Colonel Chirag Patel - Fort Irwin, CA circa 1990
For many South Asian singles in the U.S., military service is a break from cultural expectations. Rather than pursuing typical career paths, these individuals choose to serve out of a deep sense of patriotism or a desire to contribute meaningfully in ways that go beyond traditional roles. Some are inspired by their American upbringing, while others, including foreign nationals, join the U.S. military with the hope of gaining citizenship. The military has become a way for them to show commitment to a country they view as home.
Naomi Philip Ensign at U.S. Navy
An example of this shift is personal for me: I remember having a cousin who served in the Gulf War in Iraq, a choice that, at the time, was met with disapproval from our family. Military service didn’t align with the traditional paths we held in high regard, and there were genuine concerns about his safety and future. Yet, in hindsight, his choice was one of courage and vision. Today, he’s a thriving family man and successful business owner. What we initially saw as a risky choice turned out to be a source of pride and inspiration, showing that there are many roads to success and fulfillment. Now I’m proud to know many active military members & veterans from my South Asian sorority, sharing the concept of sisterhood across cultures.
Sikh Military Service: A Legacy of Protectors
Sikh Americans are an especially notable group within the U.S. military. Sikhs have a long-standing tradition of being warriors and protectors, rooted in the concept of "Sant Sipahi" (Saint Soldier) — the ideal of living as a soldier for righteousness. This principle has made military service a natural fit for Sikhs, who have served honorably not only in India but also in armies worldwide. By joining the U.S. military, Sikhs continue this legacy in a new context, serving the country they now call home.
Sikh Army Officer, Simratpal “Simmer” Singh
One of the most distinctive aspects of Sikh service members is the turban, a religious symbol of their faith and identity. While the U.S. military has traditionally had strict uniform and grooming standards, recent changes now allow Sikhs to wear turbans and keep beards, signifying a respect for religious diversity. This shift is significant: it enables Sikh service members to integrate fully without compromising their faith, illustrating a progressive move towards inclusivity within the military.
Allowing Sikh soldiers to wear their turbans is not just a matter of appearance; it’s an acknowledgment of their dual identity as both American soldiers and practicing Sikhs. The turban, once a point of contention, has now become a symbol of the military's willingness to honor and embrace cultural diversity. For Sikh singles, this has a profound impact. They can proudly serve while staying true to their roots, blending a commitment to their faith with their sense of duty to the country.
South Asian Veterans and Relationships
Soldiers Balreet & Jasleen Kaur
Military service shapes not only one’s career but also one’s outlook on life, relationships, and values. Veterans often bring resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of commitment into their personal lives—qualities that are invaluable in a relationship. At Single to Shaadi, we’re proud to see more South Asian veterans joining our community. These individuals, with their distinct backgrounds and life experiences, often bring a nuanced understanding of responsibility, empathy, and dedication to their partnerships.
Serving in the military often means making sacrifices, whether through long deployments, challenging assignments, or time away from loved ones. Many South Asian singles with military backgrounds have shared that these experiences taught them the importance of communication, mutual support, and trust in relationships. They know firsthand the value of making time for loved ones, of being present in the moment, and of supporting one another through life’s challenges.
Embracing and Supporting South Asian Veterans
Capt. Iyer Srivats, 349th Air Mobility Wing C-5 pilot, and Maj. Raj Shah, 177th Fighter Wing F-16 pilot are recognized at a White House summit July 29, for executing numerous combat missions in Southwest Asia since Sept. 11, 2001.
Our growing database of South Asian veterans at Single to Shaadi has inspired us to think about how we can better serve this unique community within our audience. Their stories and experiences remind us of the many ways people find purpose and meaning beyond conventional career paths, and of the courage it takes to follow a path that isn’t always understood or supported by others.
South Asian veterans embody values that resonate deeply in relationships: resilience, loyalty, and a willingness to serve. They remind us that love, like service, can be an act of dedication and commitment. This Veterans Day, we honor their contributions, and we’re excited to support them in finding meaningful connections that reflect the depth of their life experiences.
For further reading on South Asian contributions to the U.S. military, including Sikh service members, consider these resources:
Sikhs in the U.S. Military: Breaking Barriers and Upholding Faith NPR.
Religious Accommodation Policies in the U.S. Military Military.com.
The History of Sikh Service and the Fight for Religious Rights in the Military Smithsonian Magazine.
Let’s celebrate and honor the diversity of paths that bring South Asians to service and the unique values they bring to their communities and relationships. Today, we’re proud to stand with them and look forward to helping them find the companionship they so richly deserve.
