Caledon educator Rosey Kaur’s books bring strength to Sikh boys and their families
A Caledon woman who is well-known for her educational tool, “The Patka Box”, has released two new books.
Rosey Kaur is an educator and author who has been championing inclusivity for Sikh boys and her mission to educate and empower has been gaining widespread attention.
The patka, a head covering worn by Sikh boys that’s an important part of their faith, is at the heart of Kaur’s new books.
“Knots of Identity: Patka Poems” and “Knots of Confidence: Patka Affirmations”, Kaur’s two new books, were celebrated at a special book launch on April 5 at the Indigo bookstore in Brampton.
After the success of The Patka Box, Kaur knew she wanted to do more.
“Parents were calling me saying their children wanted to cut their hair… they felt their identity wasn’t being heard,” said Kaur. “Imagine a seven-year-old sitting in a crowd, not fitting in… you just don't know how to voice your identity.”
Kaur said parents were asking if she had any literature about patkas available, and she was inspired to start writing poems. She began writing every day until she realized she had enough for a book. One of her first poems was about a mother tying a patka on her child, feeling the power within her, and blessing her child to be strong. Kaur said the poem really hit home with her husband, which inspired her even more.
Kaur published her book of poems and it began to gain traction, with school libraries picking it up and great feedback coming in.
Not long after, another phone call came that drove Kaur to action.
“Another child was saying, ‘Mom, I don’t want to wear my patka to school anymore… I want to cut my hair, I don’t feel powerful anymore, I always get bullied’,” said Kaur. “I feel sorry for this child, I feel sorry this child has been put in this place.”
Kaur knew at that moment the theme of her next book, and shared it with her husband: knots of affirmation.
“I need to affirm the Sikh identity,” said Kaur. “The first page says, ‘I wear my patka with pride’.”
Kaur said her books were made to affirm how strong Sikh boys are. She said it was special to have her book launch event in April as it is Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario.
Something that made her really happy was to see parents at the book launch share their stories of how her books helped them and their families be strong.
She also said it was amazing to have the support of Ward 2 Councillor Dave Sheen, Regional Councillor Mario Russo, and Brampton councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor at the event. Kaur said Regional Councillor Christina Early has also been an amazing supporter of her movement.
“If I can be an advocate during this movement for the Sikh boys to be strong and to love their faith just like anybody else who loves their faith… I’m here to help wherever I can,” said Kaur.
Kaur’s books are available at indigo.ca and amazon.ca.
Zachary Roman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Caledon Citizen
