The following is a list of people who converted to
Sikhi. The religion of Sikhism emerged from 15th century South Asia. The first Sikhs came from
Hindu and
Muslim backgrounds from the
Punjab region.[1] Following 20th century, the growth of the
Sikh diaspora enabled the spread of Sikhi, thus allowing for more people to similarly embrace the faith.
Rai Bular Bhatti – Muslim Rajput noble of the Bhatti clan during the latter half of the 15th century who was inspired by the Sikh Guru Nanak and donated half of his land.
Banda Singh Bahadur – Born into a Hindu family as Lachman Dev (later Madho Das Bairagi), after meeting with
Guru Gobind Singh he became a Sikh warrior for the
Khalsa Army.
Max Arthur Macauliffe (1841–1913) – senior administrator of the
British Raj who was posted in the Punjab; prolific scholar and author; converted to Sikhism in the 1860s[9][10]
20th century
Bhagat Singh –
Indian Independence freedom fighter, who is claimed to have "reconverted" to Sikhism from
Atheism before his execution in 1931.[11] However, his reconversion is controversial and contested topic, amongst different sources and scholars.[12]
Muhammad Sadiq – Singer and politician who is a member of Parliament in Lok Sabha. Was born Muslim, but brought up Sikh as his father would sing religious music Kirtan in Gurdwaras. He considers himself Sikh as per an interview given to newslaundry.[13]
Bhagat Puran Singh (1904–1992) – great visionary; accomplished environmentalist; founder of the "All India
Pingalwara Charitable Society; being deeply influenced by the teachings of
Sri Guru Granth Sahib, he converted to Sikhism. [14]
Ryan Hurst – Hollywood actor who has chosen to be also known as Gobind Seva Singh. He has acted in Sons of Anarchy, We Were Soldiers and The Walking Dead as well as others.[22]
Hazel Keech – Bollywood actress of British and Indian descent who has been in films such as Bodyguard. She took the name Gurbasant Kaur on marriage to Sikh cricket player
Yuvraj Singh.[28]
Tyler Atkins – Also known as Tera Singh, is an Australia film director and actor. Most recently known for his completed production on his debut feature film, Bosch & Rockit, which he wrote, directed, and produced.[29]
^Singh, Pritam (2008). Federalism, Nationalism and Development: India and the Punjab Economy. Abingdon-on-Thames, England:
Routledge.
ISBN9781134049455. A large number of Hindu and Muslim peasants converted to Sikhism from conviction, fear, economic motives, or a combination of the three (Khushwant Singh 1999: 106; Ganda Singh 1935: 73).
The following is a list of people who converted to
Sikhi. The religion of Sikhism emerged from 15th century South Asia. The first Sikhs came from
Hindu and
Muslim backgrounds from the
Punjab region.[1] Following 20th century, the growth of the
Sikh diaspora enabled the spread of Sikhi, thus allowing for more people to similarly embrace the faith.
Rai Bular Bhatti – Muslim Rajput noble of the Bhatti clan during the latter half of the 15th century who was inspired by the Sikh Guru Nanak and donated half of his land.
Banda Singh Bahadur – Born into a Hindu family as Lachman Dev (later Madho Das Bairagi), after meeting with
Guru Gobind Singh he became a Sikh warrior for the
Khalsa Army.
Max Arthur Macauliffe (1841–1913) – senior administrator of the
British Raj who was posted in the Punjab; prolific scholar and author; converted to Sikhism in the 1860s[9][10]
20th century
Bhagat Singh –
Indian Independence freedom fighter, who is claimed to have "reconverted" to Sikhism from
Atheism before his execution in 1931.[11] However, his reconversion is controversial and contested topic, amongst different sources and scholars.[12]
Muhammad Sadiq – Singer and politician who is a member of Parliament in Lok Sabha. Was born Muslim, but brought up Sikh as his father would sing religious music Kirtan in Gurdwaras. He considers himself Sikh as per an interview given to newslaundry.[13]
Bhagat Puran Singh (1904–1992) – great visionary; accomplished environmentalist; founder of the "All India
Pingalwara Charitable Society; being deeply influenced by the teachings of
Sri Guru Granth Sahib, he converted to Sikhism. [14]
Ryan Hurst – Hollywood actor who has chosen to be also known as Gobind Seva Singh. He has acted in Sons of Anarchy, We Were Soldiers and The Walking Dead as well as others.[22]
Hazel Keech – Bollywood actress of British and Indian descent who has been in films such as Bodyguard. She took the name Gurbasant Kaur on marriage to Sikh cricket player
Yuvraj Singh.[28]
Tyler Atkins – Also known as Tera Singh, is an Australia film director and actor. Most recently known for his completed production on his debut feature film, Bosch & Rockit, which he wrote, directed, and produced.[29]
^Singh, Pritam (2008). Federalism, Nationalism and Development: India and the Punjab Economy. Abingdon-on-Thames, England:
Routledge.
ISBN9781134049455. A large number of Hindu and Muslim peasants converted to Sikhism from conviction, fear, economic motives, or a combination of the three (Khushwant Singh 1999: 106; Ganda Singh 1935: 73).