Draft:Kanwar Singh
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| Submission declined on 12 August 2024 by CFA (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. Declined by CFA 22 hours ago. | |
Comment: All independent sources seems to be routine, local coverage or interviews. Does not show notability at the moment. C F A 💬 02:47, 12 August 2024 (UTC)
Kanwar Singh | |
|---|---|
 Singh in 2023 | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 2015–present |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Awards | Army Commendation Medal (2) Air Force Commendation Medal Army Achievement Medal |
| Alma mater | |
Kanwar Singh (born 1989) is an entrepreneur, US Army officer and advocate for civil rights and religious freedoms.
He was rejected 16 times by the US Army, primarily due to his religious beliefs, but continued to lobby for his enlistment. He commissioned as a US Army officer in 2018, and continues to serve in the Massachusetts National Guard.[1]
As the CEO of Skyline Nav AI, he grown the company through partnerships with companies and organizations such as US Air Force, US Army, NASA, BAE Systems, Kearfott Corporation, Google and many others. Kanwar is leading the development of a GPS-independent navigation capability for use on land, air, sea and space.[2][3][4][5]
He finished in first place during the 26.2-mile Boston Marathon military march in 2022, 2023 and 2024. After winning each of the events, he raised awareness around veteran suicide by doing 22 push-ups at the finish line.[6]
Early life and education
[edit]Kanwar Singh is a first-generation American and a devout Sikh. Born into a Sikh family in New Delhi, Singh's upbringing was rooted in the principles of his faith, which emphasizes service, equality, and justice. He immigrated to the United States at the age 17.
Singh studied at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 2011. He later completed graduate degrees in computer science, finance, accounting, and management from Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts Boston. He completed an executive education program at Harvard Business School, focusing on artificial intelligence and business analytics.[7]
Military Career
[edit]Singh's journey into the U.S. military was fraught with challenges due to his religious beliefs. As an observant Sikh, he maintains unshorn hair, a beard, and wears a turban, all of which were initially prohibited by the U.S. Army's grooming standards.[8] Inspired by Senator John McCain's call to service and the resilience of survivors of the Boston Marathon attack, Singh decided to enlist in the Massachusetts Army National Guard in 2014.[9]
However, Singh faced significant obstacles as the military required him to abandon his articles of faith. Refusing to compromise on his religious beliefs, Singh, with the support of the Sikh Coalition, McDermott, Will & Emery, and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, fought a legal battle against the U.S. Department of Defense.[10] In 2016, this effort culminated when the U.S. Army granted him and other observant Sikhs religious accommodations, allowing them to serve while maintaining their religious articles of faith.[7]
In August 2018, after years of perseverance, Singh commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Massachusetts Army National Guard.[7] His commissioning ceremony was a significant moment, marking not only the culmination of his personal struggle but also paving the way for other religious minorities to serve in the U.S. military without abandoning their faith.[9]
Singh was promoted to first lieutenant in June 2020, and Captain in March 2023. As a Signal Corps officer, he has led soldiers in various operations, including humanitarian and homeland security missions during the COVID-19 pandemic in his home state of Massachusetts. He helped integrate innovative technologies into military operations, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.[9][7][11]
Advocacy and impact
[edit]Beyond his military service, Kanwar Singh is an advocate for religious freedom and civil rights. His struggle to serve in the U.S. military while maintaining his Sikh identity has been a part of a broader civil rights movement that challenges and changes discriminatory policies.[12] Singh has publicly spoken about the significance of diversity and inclusion in the military, emphasizing that patriotism and religious faith are not mutually exclusive.[13]
Singh's efforts have had a lasting impact on the U.S. military. The 2017 policy change that allowed Sikhs and members of other faiths to maintain their religious practices while serving was a milestone in the fight for equal opportunity.[10] This change has since enabled thousands of American Sikhs and other religious minorities to serve their country without compromising their beliefs.[7] Women no longer have to keep their hair in a bun. African American women no longer have to straighten their hair. Kanwar played a small role in breaking down these barriers and ensuring that every qualified American can serve their nation in uniform.[14]
Civilian Career
[edit]
Outside of his military career, Singh is the CEO of Skyline Nav AI, a company specializing in visual position and navigation technology. The company develops solutions that provide reliable navigation in environments where traditional GPS systems fail. Singh is also the Chairman of Hello Zora, a computer vision nutrition app designed to prevent and manage chronic illnesses. His work in these areas reflects his commitment to leveraging technology for societal good.[15]
Singh has been recognized for his leadership and innovation, receiving numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, Norwegian Foot March among others.[7]
Personal Life
[edit]
Kanwar Singh continues to be an advocate for civil rights and religious freedom. He has authored several articles and commentaries, where he shares his experiences and thoughts on faith, service, and the challenges faced by minorities in the U.S. His writings often reflect on the broader implications of his journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the pursuit of justice.[13][12]
He has also completed six 26.2-mile Boston Marathon marches in US Army uniform and usually takes the MBTA home after completing the race.[16][17]
See also
[edit]- Sikhs in the United States military
- Army National Guard – land warfare component of the National Guard
- Colonel G. B. Singh
- Sergeant Uday Singh Taunque, Iraqi War, Bronze Star, Purple Heart
- Sergeant Bhagat Singh Thind
References
[edit]- ^ Quindara, Henry. "Sikh American soldier fights to honor his religion and country". USA Today. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- ^ "Skyline Nav AI, Draper Win Contract with Air Force Research Lab to Add Visual Localization to ATAK". Draper Labs. May 18, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- ^ "NASA Names Winners of 2023 NASA Entrepreneurs Challenge". NASA. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- ^ "Skyline Nav AI Selected for BAE Systems Technology Mentorship Program". MassChallenge. Skyline Nav AI.
- ^ "Kearfott and Skyline Nav AI Unite to Build Next Generation Position and Navigation Platform". Kearfott Corporation. July 25, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
- ^ Tran, Susan (April 18, 2023). "Highlights From Marathon Monday in Boston". NBC Boston. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Lacdan, Joseph (September 24, 2020). "For Massachusetts Soldier, Path to Military Service Was a Spiritual One". U.S. Army News Service. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
auto1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b c "Equal Opportunity in the U.S. Military - First Lieutenant Kanwar Singh". Sikh Coalition. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ a b "Singh v. McConville". Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ Base, Home (June 5, 2024). "Kanwar Singh is a Captain in the US Army (Massachusetts National Guard)". Home Base. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
- ^ a b Singh, Kanwar (July 22, 2019). "My Response To The Woman Who Told Me To 'Go Back'". WBUR. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ a b Singh, Kanwar (August 8, 2022). "10 years after the massacre in Oak Creek, I remain committed to my faith — and my country". WBUR. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ "Hair and Appearance Guidelines". Army.mil. May 4, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ "Innovation on display at Air Force Labs showcase". Hanscom.AF.MIL. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ Tran, Susan (April 18, 2023). "Highlights From Marathon Monday in Boston". NBC Boston. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ Tran, Susan (April 18, 2023). "He's Army Capt. Kanwar Singh". NBC Boston. Retrieved August 5, 2024.