A neuroscientist, a clinical psychologist in training, a pastry chef, sometimes photographer and a ‘SciComm’ enthusiast, that’s how Jiwandeep Kohli, a Sikh living in San Diego ,describes himself on Twitter. So what you ask? But Kohli is now also a sensation on social media, with Barack Obama being one of his admirers. Yes, you read that right!
As Pride Month kicked in on 1 June, Kohli took to Twitter to share a picture donning a ‘rainbow turban’.
“I’m proud to be a bisexual bearded baking brain scientist. I feel fortunate to be able to express all these aspects of my identity, and will continue to work toward ensuring the same freedom for others,” he tweeted.
“A few years ago I saw a photo of another Sikh man at a pride parade who had a few colours in his turban,” Kohli, who identifies as bisexual, told BuzzFeed News.
“I was looking at that, and I realised the way I tie mine it had the exact right number of layers to make a rainbow,” he said.
The turban was an immediate sesnation with netizens and also caught the attention of former President of the United States, Barack Obama.
“You’ve got a lot to be proud of, Jiwandeep. Thanks for everything you do to make this country a little more equal. Turban looks great, by the way. Happy Pride Month, everybody!” said Obama, retweeting Kohli’s tweet.
A former contestant on ‘The Great American Baking Show’, Kohli is delighted with his turban and his message going viral on social media. Thanking Obama, Kohli took the opportunity to offer him some pastries.
“I’ve been really, really happy to see so much positivity and welcome from so many people,” he said, as quoted by BuzzFeed News.
A few also asked him as to how he tied the turban and Kohli was more than happy to explain.
“I wouldn’t want people to have the impression that I’m just wearing it as an accessory,” BuzzFeed News quoted him as saying.
“A turban is a sign to the world that you’re a person the world can turn to for help,” Kohli added.
Netizens Shower Love
Many took to twitter to praise Kohli’s turban and seconded his sentiment behind it.
(With inputs from BuzzFeed News)
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