Ikinder Kaur – Social Worker

"My family’s educational pursuits have always been very science focused. It was a big step to go against this tradition, but because of my passion about social work, they encouraged me to follow my dream and go for it. Without a doubt, it is the concept of egalitarianism that led me to major in social work. I feel this concept parallels with being a Kaur and Sikhism. My interest on the parallels and scope of being a Kaur didn’t really happen until I was pursuing my social work education. I was able to deconstruct religion in different environments (school and practicums), where I could be away from the structure of religious obligations or judgement. In social work, we work with the most vulnerable people in society. There are no judgements just an endeavour to help people who have many barriers to success. We help people, usually ones who are invisible within society, realize they matter and ensure we humanize their experiences and suffering. It has made me profoundly aware that not everyone is granted the same opportunities and helping those in need is crucial. Social work encourages working in a person’s best interest by working with them and in their favour. Inclusiveness is central, meaning that you look past differences and still provide your support. I find it so interesting that I am leaning towards religious concepts and find the thread of Sikhism in my everyday life. Growing up, my parents allowed myself and my siblings the space to find our way with religion, nothing was imposed on us. In them doing that, I find that a lot of what I don’t like about religion actually stems from culture and society.  For me, it is important to understand that culture and religion are not the same. Social constructs that have seeped into the concept of religion and women’s identity. In Sikhism, I like that both men and women are encouraged to do seva without distinction of gender. Overall, as people, we need to take a step back and see how we as individuals are impacting the world. We need to be more benevolent. We need to not be concerned about appearing to be religious, rather we just need to live by simple fundamental values."