A POPULAR Sikh blogger from Malmesbury has received support from around the world for his passionate response to an alleged racist assault he suffered at a Polish nightclub.

Navjot Sawhney, who writes a Facebook blog called Nav’s Project 365, says he was punched in the face by a bouncer from a nightclub in Krakow on Saturday after he was refused entry on the basis that he wore a turban.

He took to his blog and posted a poignant description of the experience that was shared by more than 1,500 people within 24 hours of it being published on Monday.

Dozens of people then took to the club's Facebook page to condemn it's security staff's actions.

The club have since denied the allegation that race was involved in Navjot's entry refusal, saying he was not allowed in due to safety reasons, as the club had reached capacity. They have also suspended the security staff pending investigation.

“I listened while the bouncer verbally abused me, spat at me, and called me a terrorist. I stood my ground while he and his five colleagues surrounded me, and politely explained why his views were offensive,” Nav wrote.

“I offered to shake his hand, agree to disagree and move on, and he punched me with so much force that my turban was knocked off my head. My religion and identity lay in a muddy puddle on the ground, to be trampled and trodden underfoot.

“Of course, I called the police. I told them what had happened, my best friend, Steve, corroborating every detail.

“They made a note of the bouncer’s details, but told me that I shouldn’t expect the same treatment in Poland that I would get in the UK. That in Poland, white people and brown people are different.

“They said if I really wanted to continue the conversation, I would have to get in their van. Having just heard them say that a brown man in Poland shouldn’t expect the same rights as a white one, I chose to decline their offer.”

Earlier that day Nav, whose blog reaches thousands of people, had visited Auschwitz, a terrifying portrait of the effect racism can have on mankind.

“I was appalled, but I’ve experienced racism to a greater or lesser extent my whole life. I’ve got a thick skin,” he continued.

“I called my girlfriend. She cried, and said that humanity disgusted her.

“I think she’s wrong, for the record. Humans can be ignorant, unkind, cruel – sometimes worse. But they can also be beautiful. Lots of people stopped to ask what had happened. They were outraged, refused to enter the club.

“I want to thank each and every person who stopped and showed concern for me. They maintained my faith in humankind when it was being challenged, and confirmed what I’ve always believed.

“Humanity isn’t disgusting. Just the views of a minority. And I’d like to think even they can be changed.

“Racists and bigots shout loudly. Their words ring out like gun shots, every act of discrimination a bullet in the soul of humanity.

“But our solidarity will shame them. Our compassion will silence them. Our tolerance will blind them. And, in time, their shouts will fade to whispers, and there will be no more ammunition.”

The Polish Embassy commented on the photo online, saying: “We are very sorry about what happened to you.

“Such racist behaviour is unacceptable and we are glad to hear that many people stopped to express their support for you and contempt for the incident.”

A spokesman for Shakers defended the club to the Standard.

They said: "We would like to mention that people of all races, religions and nationalities party in Shakers club, as shown in the Facebook photo gallery.

"We strongly condemn all racist attitudes or other discrimination concerning religion or nationality." 
Shakers' Facebook page had seemingly been removed when the Standard checked yesterday. 

To view Nav’s Blog post and to keep up to date with his daily messages of positivity, tolerance and adventure, visit facebook.com/navsproject365