Vishavjit Singh never set out to become a cartoonist, performance artist, or a voice for diversity and inclusion. But after surviving genocidal violence and witnessing the aftermath of global tragedies, his journey evolved into something far beyond what he had ever envisioned. Today, Vishavjit is best known for his persona as a turbaned Sikh Captain America and his work in promoting empathy and understanding through his creative expressions. His path wasn’t a straightforward one, but it is a story of resilience, vulnerability, and purpose.
Surviving Genocide: The Spark That Changed Everything
Vishavjit Singh’s life took a dramatic turn in November 1984, following the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In the ensuing chaos, mobs targeted Sikhs across India, killing thousands. “A mob came to our house on November 1st,” Vishavjit recalls, “but we were the lucky ones to survive.” That moment was a profound lesson in both the brutality and compassion that humanity is capable of. While the violence was overwhelming, he also witnessed acts of kindness by a few members of the Hindu majority, which would later shape his perspective on the power of empathy.
The trauma of this experience didn’t just stay with him—it became the foundation for his future work. “I carry these lessons into my personal and professional life,” Vishavjit says, a guiding principle that would influence his eventual role as a storyteller and advocate for marginalized communities.
The Unlikely Journey into Cartooning
Despite the life-altering experiences of his youth, Vishavjit Singh didn’t always know he would become an artist. Like many children of South Asian descent, he felt pressure to pursue more “practical” careers. He tried engineering, medicine, and even public health before transitioning to the tech industry for 15 years. But none of these fields gave him a sense of purpose. “The biggest challenge was finding my genuine voice,” he admits. It took years of twists and turns before he found his calling.
That calling came in the aftermath of another tragedy—the September 11 attacks. As Sikhs and Muslims became targets of bias and hate in America, Vishavjit began drawing political cartoons to highlight their plight. His series, Sikhtoons, took off. One cartoon, depicting a turbaned and bearded Captain America, captured the imagination of many and launched his unexpected career as a performance artist. What started as a single cartoon became a national phenomenon. Vishavjit began touring classrooms across the United States, sharing his story and using his art to break down stereotypes.
Embracing Vulnerability: The Power of Captain America
Stepping into the role of a superhero wasn’t something Vishavjit envisioned for himself, but it became a powerful way to challenge people’s preconceived notions. Dressed as Captain America, he used humor and courage to spark conversations about identity and belonging.
His biggest achievement, according to him, isn’t the fame or recognition—it’s the ability to embrace his vulnerabilities. “Finding the courage to do things I never dreamed of has been my greatest achievement,” Vishavjit explains. This courage enabled him to inspire not only himself but others to be better, to do better, and to create a more inclusive world. As Captain America, he showed the world that superheroes come in all forms and from all backgrounds.
A New Chapter: Filmmaking and DEI Advocacy
Vishavjit’s work doesn’t stop at cartoons and performance art. He now serves in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the second-largest fire and emergency services department in the world. His role in promoting diversity and inclusion aligns perfectly with his lifelong mission of building empathy and understanding across communities.
But perhaps his most exciting venture is his work as a filmmaker. His short animated film, American Sikh, co-created with Ryan Westra, premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Festival in New York City and went on to win awards. “This film is a reflection of my journey as an artist and an advocate,” Vishavjit says. The film has even made him the first Sikh director to qualify for an Oscar, a groundbreaking achievement for representation in the film industry.
Through his work in both DEI and filmmaking, Vishavjit continues to use storytelling as a vehicle for change. His mission isn’t just about advocating for Sikh or South Asian communities; it’s about creating a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Finding Inspiration from the Past: Bhai Ghanaiyaa
One of the most inspiring figures in Vishavjit’s life isn’t a modern-day hero but a historical figure from the 17th century—Bhai Ghanaiyaa. A Sikh who lived during the time of Guru Gobind Singh, Bhai Ghanaiyaa was known for offering medical and humanitarian assistance to both Sikh and Mughal soldiers during wartime. “He saw the eternal light in every living creature,” Vishavjit explains. This ethos of universal compassion has become his north star.
Like Bhai Ghanaiyaa, Vishavjit strives to see beyond the differences that divide us and focus on the shared humanity that unites us. “Humans are wired to see differences,” he acknowledges, “but we also have the capacity to connect with the oneness in the universe.” This philosophy guides much of his work, whether he’s drawing a cartoon, giving a talk, or creating a film.
Turning Setbacks into Strength
Vishavjit’s career hasn’t been without its challenges. He’s faced what many would consider failures—fellowships he didn’t receive, opportunities that didn’t materialize. But each setback taught him valuable lessons. “The path to success is often paved with perceived failures,” he reflects. His approach to overcoming these obstacles is to be like water—flexible, adaptable, and always finding a way forward.
This mindset has served him well in a career that often veers into uncharted territory. Whether it’s facing bias as a Sikh in post-9/11 America or stepping into a role he never imagined for himself, Vishavjit has learned to navigate challenges with grace and resilience.
Redefining Success and Legacy
Vishavjit’s definition of success has evolved over time. Early in his career, he, like many others, equated success with career advancement and financial gain. Now, it’s about living a purpose-filled life. “Success is a feeling of finding purpose,” he says. His purpose is clear: to build a better world and leave a legacy of kindness and compassion.
When asked what he hopes his legacy will be, Vishavjit’s answer is simple but profound: “I want my journey to spark possibilities of hope and a better future.”
