Louis Singh, a pakeha Sikh, made headlines three years ago when NZ Army shared his photo on Facebook as he graduated from Regular Force 397 at Waiouru Military Camp.
Singh became an instant social media sensation among the Sikh community worldwide.
Louis Singh, previously Louis Talbot, was born in a family of five and raised in a Timaru farm.
In 2015 a friend introduced Singh to Sikhism, and while having a conversation about the faith, he felt intrigued to know more about its values, principles and teachings.
Singh started visiting Gurudwara in Christchurch, at first once a month and then more regularly. In 2018, Louis travelled to India, visiting several gurudwaras there and eventually became Amritdhari Sikh at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Singh currently works with New Zealand Army as a communications specialist.
A highly skilled and multi-talented individual, Singh also has a passion for music. He plays a variety of instruments, including the Sitar, Guitar, Drums, Bagpipes, Rabab and Dilruba.
Singh says, “I have loved music since I was a child, learning guitar at a young age. As I embraced Sikhism, I fell in love with Indian classical and Raag-based Gurbani Kirtan.”
He regularly performs at cultural events and community gatherings, sharing his love of music with others.
Aside from his work and music, Louis is also dedicated to promoting fitness and healthy living.
He is a swimming instructor and regularly teaches swimming lessons. He believes that swimming is an essential life skill and encourages his students to learn how to swim and appreciate the benefits of regular exercise.
“I teach swimming to adults who haven’t had the opportunity to learn as a child and are keen to learn to swim! I teach individuals, couples and friend groups.”
A well-rounded individual and a well-known face in Christchurch, Singh wants to continue to serve in the NZ army; promote diversity and inclusion of all cultures in the military. He also wants to continue to help adults to overcome their fears of the water and learn to swim.