Colonel Kalsi is a documentary film about an American Sikh Army officer’s struggle to serve his country with honor and dignity.

The son of an immigrant, Kamaljeet Kalsi was born a Sikh, wears a turban and a beard and adopts a strict religious uniform. Unshorn hair is the mark of a Sikh's deep-rooted identity. When Kamaljeet joined the Army, he was pursuing a career in medicine. While in training, the Army had no issue with him holding onto his religious identity or attire. But when it time came for Kamaljeet to deploy to Afghanistan, the Army reneged on their promise. They said he would have to cut his hair and shave his beard, as it would interfere with the mission and esprit de corps” (spirit/cohesion of the unit), a reason that was often given to keep blacks, gays, women and others out of the forces.

Kamaljeet decided to exercise his constitutional right and sue the US Army to obtain religious accommodations.

Website

Filmmaker Attending, Post-Screening Q&A at Live Fest!