Video summary
Taran and Joven are two young members of the Sikh Khalsa and they show their commitment to Sikhism by wearing the 5 Ks, which are symbols of Sikh ideals.
Khalsa Sikhs wear five symbols – called the five Ks, or Panj Kakka - to show their devotion to Sikhism. The boys outline the 5 Ks and what they signify. They are Kara, Kachera, Kirpan, Khalsa, Kesh and Kanga.
Teacher Notes
Some people say that school uniform makes everyone equal. Others think it stops pupils expressing themselves through their own chosen clothes.
What do the class think? Discuss some reasons for and against school uniform.
The Sikh 5 Ks are like a uniform in some ways: but they express beliefs. After pupils have seen this clip; ask them to connect up Sikh beliefs to the different items Khalsa Sikhs wear:
- God has no end, no beginning and we are all connected to God.
- It’s good to be modest.
- Only fight to defend the weak.
- God gives us gifts, and we should accept them thankfully.
- Neat and tidy, clean and calm, that is how to come to God.
Ask pupils if they agree or disagree with these beliefs. You could start a class discussion about how the symbolic dress of the 5 Ks is linked to deep beliefs. What deep beliefs do pupils express through what they do?
This topic will be relevant to teaching Religious Education at KS2 or KS3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 2 or 3 in Scotland.
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