On one hand, you have the Mullens, Bedards and other wheeling dealers in this industry. But every so often, I'm reminded that often the truly inspirational characters are hard-slogging guys behind the wheels. People you never otherwise hear about. Like Swarun Singh Bal....

If you look and dress like Swarun Singh Bal, [9/11] takes on special significance.

Swarun says he is stopped and searched with far greater frequency on trips through the States, but, he says, "I don't blame them. They have a job to do to keep their country secure."

For a man who hasn't been past grade three, he can recite Indian and Sikh history as if he had a doctoral degree. A good Sikh, he says, must be disciplined enough to move with the times. So although he knows strict adherence to his religious beliefs, including carrying the ceremonial dagger known as the Kirpan, he leaves it at home when he travels.

"If it's snowing out, you have to adapt to the weather. If one cannot carry the Kirpan, one cannot."

The same applies to a hard hat, he says. "If you want to maintain the discipline of wearing your turban and your employer has rules that say you cannot, you should find other work." [Link]