AN internationally recognised Sikh blogger from Malmesbury will be appearing on BBC1 this weekend to debate the importance of wearing religious clothing.

Navjot Sawhney was invited to take part in this week’s The Big Questions programme where he will be talking about what his turban means to him, in what should be a heated debate.

The 25-year-old runs the popular blog Nav’s Project 365, which is now followed by more than 11,000 people in 50 countries worldwide.

He speaks about his life and religion on the blog, celebrating what it means to be a Sikh and why he is passionate about its messages.

A BBC producer contacted Navjot on Sunday and following a casting call earlier this week, he was offered a place on the show.

Having got through some initial nerves, Navjot is now excited about spreading the Sikh message to more people.

“The subject of religious clothing is very important to me,” he said.

“My turban has a lot of religious and cultural identity to me.

“Sikhs wear it as an identity for a crown on their head. It’s almost like a beacon of solace.

“It’s important to have that identity. For me, my ancestors fought for the religious freedom I’ll be talking about on Sunday.”

Nav, who has more than 50 turbans, is proud to be representing his religion, at a time when racial and religious tensions are increasing.

Having been on the receiving end of racial abuse, even in Malmesbury, Nav wants to tackle the problem head on.

“In the rising tide of concern of what is going on in world, my aim is to really desensitise people to the turban and communicate what Sikhs believe in,” he said.

“For me it’s always been hard to fathom how someone can look at your appearance and feel so angry that they’ll hurl abuse at you or even hit you.

“To negotiate around that and stop it from happening we need to educate and really communicate with these people and understand why they have these points of view.

“In past month US soldiers been given right to wear a turban and grow a beard. This is great win for the Sikh community.”

Navjot grew up Southall in West London. When he was young there were six Sikh temples within a square mile of his house.

He says the Sikh culture taught him much about how to act as a person, something he is hoping to explain on Sunday.

“Aspects such as Sewa, giving to needy and selfless service, have been instilled in me from young age,” he said.

“Always defending principled causes, fighting for injustice, being brave without fear and without hate. These are rules I live by.”

Nav will be appearing on The Big Questions at 10am on BBC1.