Sikh officer leading the charge for more diversity in the Australian Defence Force

Vickram Grewal is possibly the first turban-wearing Sikh officer to join the Royal Australian Air Force, and is one of the select few members who will be taking part in community consultations around the country to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to join the ADF.

Sq Ldr Vickram Grewal with RAAF chief Air Marshal Leo Davies Source: Supplied

Squadron leader (Sqn Ldr) Vickram Grewal joined the RAAF in March this year as a Specialist Capability Officer, having worked in the Department of Defence for many years previously.

Within a week of becoming an officer, he was given a very special privilege on the 96th anniversary celebrations of the RAAF - he was asked to present a Sikh prayer (an Ardas) at the Canberra commemoration, which was attended by the Chief of the RAAF Air, Marshal Leo Davies, apart from other dignitaries.

"To me personally, this was the best welcome possible, into the RAAF," Grewal told SBS Punjabi.

Now, to honour May 21 as the World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is holding community sessions in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide where officers from multicultural backgrounds, including Sqn Ldr Grewal, will be present to answer questions about joining the ADF.

LISTEN: Vickram Grewal speaks to SBS Punjabi (English interview) 

"People could have misconceptions about whether or not ADF provides a welcoming environment to officers of multicultural backgrounds. Perhaps a Sikh may wonder if he can wear a turban or a kirpan [the ceremonial dagger carried by baptised Sikhs, and one of the five articles of faith]. We want to clear those misconceptions and answer any other questions that people may have," said Sqn Ldr Grewal.

"ADF wants to be the employer of choice for people from all walks of life. It is not about your background, culture or religion, but more about what capability and professionalism you can bring to the forces."

Joining ADF a 'dream come true'

Having been a part of the religious advisory committee for the ADF for many years, Sq Ldr Grewal says: "Slowly but surely, ADF is attracting more and more people from various cultural backgrounds and religions. The latest statistics I have, show a comparison between 2005 and 2015 and there is a demonstrable growth."

"In 2005, there were 43 Muslim ADF members, which grew to 106 by 2015; in the same period, the number of Hindu ADF officers increased from 39 to 166, the number of Buddhist officers went up from 105 to 180, with the Sikh community seeing a huge spike - in 2005, there were only 6 Sikh ADF officers recorded, whereas in 2015, that number grew to 55."

LISTEN: Vickram Grewal speaks to SBS Punjabi (Interview in Punjabi)

As for himself, Sqn Ldr Grewal decided to join the Air Force at a mature age because "it was my childhood dream."

"Uniform, discipline and service to the nation are values that have always been dear to me. My father worked for the Indian Air Force for nearly 30 years and I grew up on Air Force bases around India, always wanting to be pilot. Because of my poor eyesight though, I was unable to become a pilot in India, after which I completed my Engineering degree and moved to Australia almost 20 years ago."

"I had been working with the Department of Defence for many years and recently, I was sponsored to join the RAAF to continue doing the work I was doing for the ADF previously - but as a commissioned officer. This is my dream come true."

"If others have a similar dream they must come along to these sessions we're running over the next few days, so we have better diversity and inclusion."

"Anyone with an interest in joining the ADF should come along - especially people from the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or Sikh backgrounds."

Information on joining the ADF can be found on their website.

Sikhs commemorate Anzac Day 2015 and their long history of serving in Australia's armed forces. Left: Vickram Grewal at the 2015 parade in Sydney. Source: Facebook/Vickram Grewal