When Satwant Singh Calais OAM arrived in Australia in 1970 as a high school student, the adjustment was challenging – particularly at boarding school, where his turban and full head of never-cut hair often drew attention.
But those moments are not what define his memories of those early years.
“The staff and students were accommodating and welcoming, which was very nice,” Calais says of his time at The Friends’ School, Hobart, a Quaker institution.
However, it did prove transformative – setting him on a lifelong path of helping others like him find their footing in Australia, and guiding the next generation towards becoming well-adjusted Sikh Australians.
For this, Calais has received the OAM honour this Australia Day.
Heading to the University of Tasmania for further studies in science, the Malaysia-born Calais met with many overseas students – all struggling to settle in.
“I was blessed to stay with a foster family during holidays, gaining an intimate understanding of Australian culture and its nuances.” he recounts. “That allowed me to support new students – and led to the establishment of the Overseas Student Service.”
Sydney and beyond
Years later, after moving to Sydney with his family, Calais joined like-minded friends to establish the Punjabi School in 1997. Soon after came a deeper realisation. “We knew our youth needed confidence and a stronger understanding of their heritage. Wearing a patka makes you stand out – and confidence matters.”
In 1999, youth camps were launched to help young people understand who they are, feel comfortable in themselves, and explain their identity to Australians. “Racism often comes from ignorance,” Calais says. “When our own sons attended The King’s School, we immersed ourselves in the school community. It broke barriers – and we’ve shared those lessons widely.”
What began with 18 attendees has since grown into Sikh Youth Australia (SYA), which saw 350 young people attend its annual camp at Collaroy just weeks ago. The movement has grown organically with its participants – into university through leadership programs, and into the workforce via the Young Sikh Professionals Network (YSPN).
“At YSPN, young people mentor each other, while invited speakers guide them through workplace realities,” Calais explains. The network now spans Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland, and welcomes members from all backgrounds.
Health became another focus when SYA’s medical students identified high rates of diabetes and heart disease among migrants. This led to Culture Care, a volunteer-run initiative delivering free health clinics at gurdwaras for those facing language and access barriers. A clinic at Glenwood Gurdwara in October alone supported 150 people.
SYA’s charity arm, Sikh to Give, has also stepped up during times of crisis – distributing food relief vouchers during floods and donating a car to a family with a disabled daughter who lost everything.
Cultural causes
Another landmark initiative, Divine Steps, was launched in 2019 to mark the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak. Inspired by his four udaasis, the open-air interfaith concert brought together nine faith communities to share sacred music and philosophy before an audience of 5,000.
Today, SYA also runs one of the few nationwide Sikh spiritual development programs. Small jathas travel across Australia, taking kirtan, simran and meditation into gurdwaras, community spaces and homes. “It’s not radical or preachy,” Calais says. “We simply engage young people at their level.”
Another high-profile Calais initiative has been the biennial Sikh Awards for Excellence. “So many people contribute quietly to Australia’s social and economic life,” Calais notes. “We uncover hidden gems across the country.” Around 200 applicants are assessed by an independent panel each cycle, culminating in a black-tie awards event that celebrates achievement and encourages recipients to step forward for broader national honours.”
All of the SYA activities are volunteer-run and family-driven, with mums, dads, kids and grandparents all chipping in. “My own success is a reflection of the strengths of my family and their support – my OAM is really a recognition of the total contribution of all the Sikh sevadars, the peoplewho give time to community.”
With deep spirituality guiding all his endeavours, what does Calais make of current times, when religious tolerance feels in short supply?
“It’s ignorance, at the end of the day,” Satwant Singh Calais OAM notes. “We’ve got to engage with all faith groups with respect. A classic example is music – engagement can be taken across boundaries. Engaging everybody like that in a positive sense, and with mutual respect and love, and perhaps patience – because you can’t have change overnight – can be successful.”
And in that patience, rooted in faith, service and shared humanity, Calais has spent a lifetime proving that belonging is something you build, together.
Satwant Singh Calais OAM
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