Ravinder Singh Oberoi came to Ireland in 1997 and first started Garda training in 2007, but it has taken him until this month to be able to fulfil his dream.
Now, he is set to be Ireland's first practicing Sikh member of the Garda Reserve after a court decision decided that his turban is allowed to be worn as part of the uniform.
"After 14 years, it was a proud moment as a Sikh man to be able to wear a turban as part of the uniform," said Ravinder.
"My faith is quite important, especially during these Covid times, it's what keeps you going. It's a great honour to be able to call this country my home and now to be accepted in the attire I wear."
Ravinder came to Ireland in 1997 to work in IT, but tried to join the Garda Reserve in 2007. He completed the majority basic training but was disheartened to find that his religious headwear would stop him from being able to finish.
He took the Garda Reserve to an employment tribunal in an attempt to change their rules, but the court initially declared that, as an unpaid reservist, he was not employed and therefore his complaint was not valid.
It took over a decade for the police to change their rules and accept those with religious attire.
"In order to encourage candidates from minority communities, An Garda Síochána will consider alterations to the Garda uniform to take account of religious and ethnic requirements subject to operational, and health and safety obligations," said the force in a statement in 2019.
"For example, An Garda Síochána is to allow the wearing of the turban for members of the Sikh community and the hijab for members of the Muslim community. An Garda Síochána has identified such matters as a major barrier to some people considering becoming a Garda member."
That paved the way for Ravinder to finally join up. He was inducted into the Garda Reserve in Tipperary, along with 68 other Reserves and 71 full-time Garda. He will immediately become part of the team that is involved in enforcing the Level 5 restrictions across the country.
His induction made the news in India, with the Indian Embassy in Dublin tweeting in celebration of his achievement and several newspapers carrying the story.
As for Ireland: well, there's nothing more Irish than moving to another country and joining the cops. Maybe one day, India's answer to the Wolfe Tones will record a number one record about it.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Ireland