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My Journey of Building a Helmet for Sikh Boys: Armeet Singh Jatyani

I joined the buzz of excited eighth-graders pulling on
their helmets and mounting their bikes. However, the
school-issued helmet wouldn't fit over my joora (religious

hair bun). It didn't provide protection, and even worse, it
looked ridiculous and embarrassing. "I'm sorry. It's for
your own safety," my gym teacher explained; I wouldn't
be allowed to bike.

A helmet for Sikh boys simply didn't exist. So I picked up
a box cutter and cut a hole in the top of my helmet to
accommodate my hair bun. I was allowed to ride the next
day. It was then that I saw my project as more than just

myself; if developed further, I could help millions of
young Sikh boys that struggle with the insecurity of their
safety and appearance while biking.

With a newfound purpose, I began by sketching designs, molding a clay model, and 3D printing twice
before the prototype finally fit me. I researched common helmet materials, settling on a lightweight
shock-absorbing EPS foam interior and a tough polycarbonate outer shell. Despite knowing nothing
about manufacturing, I was determined to make my project a reality.

With project budgets far larger than I imagined and having already invested all of my pocket money, I
started a GoFundMe fundraiser. To raise awareness of my project, I created a promotional YouTube
video. At the local Sikh place of worship, I presented my idea to those who had young Sikh boys of their

own. My community banded together, and over 130 people contributed a total of $10,225. One GoFundMe
donor commented, "I imagine my brother and cousins would have loved this as kids!" Words like these
make my efforts worth it a hundred times over.

The helmet is finally ready after multiple iterations of design and
testing. I am incredibly proud of the support I received from my
community and hope it provides a safe and stylish alternative to
makeshift helmets. This journey taught me the power of

persistence, innovation, and community support, and I look forward
to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of Sikh boys
worldwide.