Embracing Our Cultural Identity: Lessons from Diljit Dosanjh’s Global Success

In a world that often pushes us to conform to predefined norms of success, appearance, and behavior, stories like that of Diljit Dosanjh are both inspiring and essential. As a traditional Sikh musician and someone deeply rooted in my cultural heritage, I found the recent article by Manish Pandey on BBC’s coverage of Diljit’s rise as a global Punjabi megastar truly resonant. You can read the full article here .

Diljit Dosanjh’s journey shows us the immense power of staying true to our roots. His unapologetic embrace of Punjabi language, culture, and traditional attire — even on some of the world’s biggest stages like Coachella and Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show — has made him a symbol of pride for the Punjabi diaspora and beyond. He didn’t become successful by diluting his identity; instead, he doubled down on it, and the world took notice.

This is an important lesson for all of us who come from rich cultural backgrounds. It’s easy to feel the pressure to adapt to modern norms or global standards, especially in cosmopolitan or professional environments. However, we must ask ourselves: why should we not preserve our culture? Why should we not feel proud of the way we live our lives? Why should anyone judge whether my traditional looks — whether it’s my plaited hair, salwar kurta, or any cultural expression — make me any less competent than someone with a more "modern" appearance?

Over the years, I’ve often been judged on my simple, traditional looks, with people questioning whether I’m competent enough to run a business. My answer is always the same: confidence in one's own shoes and simply being the best in your work. That is the best mantra to succeed.

Whether it’s performing Gurmat Sangeet or leading a business, staying connected to my cultural heritage has always been a source of strength, not a hindrance. Authenticity not only fosters personal fulfillment but also creates a sense of belonging among others who share your journey.

Diljit’s influence extends far beyond music. He has shown millions, especially young Punjabis, that cultural pride and global success can go hand in hand. As Vaibhav, a fan from Glasgow, said, "It feels like he’s doing it for us." That’s the impact of seeing someone proudly represent who they are without compromise. It tells the next generation, "You can make it too, just as you are."

This resonates deeply with me, especially when I think about how we, as individuals and communities, navigate between tradition and modernity. As Taniya Happy, another fan, remarked, "When you grow up, you can lose a part of your culture as you start adapting to new cultures." It’s a reality many of us experience, but seeing figures like Diljit show us that there’s space for our languages, our dress, and our traditions — on any stage, in any country.

As we move forward in a rapidly globalizing world, let’s hold onto our cultural treasures and make sure that they shine brightly, just as Diljit has done for Punjabis worldwide. Our identity is not a barrier to success; it’s a bridge to it.

Source: BBC (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy9gln6lz6o ) #Culture #Pride #DiljitDosanjh #PunjabiPride #CulturalHeritage #Authenticity