The Religion in my Life interviewee for this issue of Sofia is Kiran, a Sikh brought up in the UK. Like all of the subjects of the Religion in my Life column this year, Kiran is an activist working for the good of the community and has resisted prejudice and injustice all her life. In June this year, she joined The Global March To Gaza: flying out to Egypt with the intention of travelling to Rafah and crossing the border into the Gaza strip. The convoy was stopped by the Egyptian authorities and many of the participants were arrested and detained, but fortunately not Kiran. Hopefully what follows helps us to understand the motivation that led her to undertake this incredibly dangerous and brave act.
Kiran: Faith, Identity, and the Inner Compass
What is your personal experience of religion?
Growing up in the 1970s my hometown was predominantly ‘white British’ and I was the first Sikh child in my school. That meant being visibly different and often the target of racism. Religion, for my family, was not just a belief system, it was a lifeline. It helped us survive, stay rooted and from nothing, build community in a world that often made us feel invisible.
We didn’t have a local Gurdwara at first, so our small Sikh community created one through collective effort. Religion wasn’t institutional, it was lived. It was a way to teach children, learn our history, practice meditation, share food and support one another. The customs we practised became anchors and the simple act of my father and brother wearing turbans became a powerful act of resistance. Their dignity in the face of racism taught me to stand firm in my beliefs and defend others facing similar struggles.
My upbringing was a balancing act: wanting to fit in with western peers while holding onto Sikh traditions and family expectations. My parents were inclusive, encouraging me to participate in other faith traditions. I would recite the Lord’s Prayer at school assemblies, sing hymns and Christmas carols, read the bible and then at the weekend, I would attend Punjabi classes and the Gurdwara and learn about our Gurus legacy. I came to understand that Sikhi is not about rigid religious identity, it’s a way of life. It’s about being a student on a lifelong journey, striving to become a better person.
Does the Idea of ‘God’ Mean Anything to You?
The British word “God” is a clumsy translation of the Sikh concept of Waheguru, the wondrous enlightener. It’s not a personified deity, but a universal, formless energy. I often liken it to “The Force” in Star Wars, a timeless, all-pervading presence that connects everything. It’s not something to be worshipped through fear or dogma but something to be felt, understood and lived in harmony with.
To me, this internal “Force” is a moral compass. It’s the light within and around us, guiding us even when we feel at odds with our community or loved ones expectations. It demands that we follow our hearts and inner morals above external rules. Sikh philosophy aligns with certain ideas in quantum physics, non-duality, everything is interconnected and divinity is not separate from us but embedded in the fabric of existence.
We believe that the Gurbani (the writings in the Guru Granth Sahib) is a form of divine revelation. The Gurus were not considered God themselves but they were seen as spiritually enlightened and channels through which divine wisdom was expressed. However, Sikhism also emphasizes personal experience, reflection and righteous living, so while divine revelation is respected, it’s not about blind obedience but about understanding and living the truth.
How do you respond to the SOF assertion that religion is a human creation (rather than a revelation from God)?
The Sea of Faith Network’s assertion that religion is a human creation resonates deeply. The rituals, structures, and hierarchies are clearly human-made attempts to codify something ineffable. The impulse toward faith, the feeling of connection to something larger, might be universal but the forms it takes are shaped by culture and history and human interpretation.
This perspective helps distinguish spiritual experience from institutional dogma. It feels especially relevant in light of recent events, particularly the genocide in Gaza, which have prompted deep reflection on my beliefs and the diversity of interpretations within my community and beyond. I was disturbed to see far-right individuals claiming to represent Sikh values while disregarding the core message of universal compassion. It reminded me of a scene in Animal Farm, where the pigs and farmers become indistinguishable in their oppression.
This critique feels especially relevant given how Sikhi, often misclassified in the West as a religion, has been co-opted into an “-ism,” losing its essence as a way of living rooted in compassion, equality and service. Such moments underscore how human interpretations of faith can be flawed, hypocritical and even dangerous. A reminder that religion, while rooted in profound human longing, is ultimately a construct shaped by fallible hands.
Do you think or believe that life has meaning?
Yes, life has profound meaning but it’s not handed down by divine revelation.
Sikhi sees life as a gift and an opportunity, to grow spiritually, serve humanity and live in harmony with divine truth. Meaning it is not something to be passively received, it is actively created through righteous living, compassion and connection. It’s found in how we treat others.
Witnessing the genocide in Gaza galvanized people across the world to come together, transcending backgrounds, faiths, and creeds. That collective action became a new kind of “religion”, a religion of immediate, compassionate humanitarianism. My decision to join 3,500 strangers from 80 countries in Cairo, attempting to march to the Rafah border, was symbolic. It wasn’t just about reaching the destination but about raising awareness and standing in solidarity. In all the horror of darkness, the light of all those souls shone with blinding beauty. That is where meaning lives, in shared moral purpose and the best of humanity. Of hope.
What role do you think religion can and/or should play in society?
Religion can offer moral grounding, community, and a sense of purpose. In my youth, our collective faith space was a sanctuary from a sometimes hostile world. It gave us strength to face racism and alienation.
But religion must evolve. It should be a force for unity and justice, not division. Sikh teachings, particularly Guru Nanak’s message, remind us of the deeper truth that transcends religious boundaries. His words, “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim”, were not a denial of faiths, but a call to recognize the shared humanity that underlies them all. This vision encourages us to move beyond labels and embrace one another as equals.
The ideal role for religion is to foster compassion, encourage ethical action, and hold its own communities accountable when they fall short. It should be a moral compass that rises above rigid rules and cultural biases, guiding us toward solidarity, dignity, and love.
Can you identify the source of the motivation for you to do the work that you do?
My motivation stems from early experiences of vulnerability and injustice. Watching my family stand firm in their identity taught me the importance of resilience and compassion. That foundation continues to guide me.
From a young age, I have witnessed moments of hardship and trauma that quietly shaped my understanding of the world, experiences that deepened my empathy and strengthened my belief in the importance of safety, dignity and connection. These insights continue to inform how I serve my community.
The recent global response to Gaza reignited that drive. I saw people of all backgrounds marching together, united by a shared moral compass. That is my Force.
I have come to recognise that what I sometimes seek outwardly, has always having been within me. My role as an individual, is to ensure people feel seen, valued and connected, channelling that universal energy into positive action.
And finally, anything else at all that you would like to say to us?
Reflecting on this exercise has helped me give shape to many thoughts that usually stay in my head. It’s humbling to think anyone might be interested in them but here they are.
The Sea of Faith Network creates a much needed space for deep and meaningful conversations. By encouraging people to explore the roots of faith, it opens up a more genuine way to engage with spirituality, one that accepts human imperfections and shared hopes.
What I really appreciate is how the network emphasizes personal values and a sense of universal connection, rather than strict religious rules. It offers a voice to those who feel spiritually aware but disconnected from traditional institutions. I’m grateful for a place where stories like mine are welcomed and heard.