Wellington, July 3 (IANS): A Sikh from India who removed his turban to help a seriously injured young boy was on Friday recognised for his act of "outstanding compassion and empathy", a media report said.

Harman Singh received a certificate of appreciation from the Counties Manukau District Commander for his bravery.

His "outstanding compassion and empathy" in the situation was to be commended, New Zealand Herald quoted Counties Manukau Police as saying.

Last month, Singh broke religious protocol by removing his turban to help a six-year-old injured boy who was bleeding profusely after being struck by a car while he was walking towards his school.

The boy suffered serious head and internal injuries.

Singh received hundreds of Facebook herograms from the US, Europe and India and his story was shared tens of thousands of times on social media.

Singh said he did not believe his actions were heroic, and that anyone would have done the same in the situation.

Although removing the turban is rare among Sikhs, Singh said the religious rules did not restrict such an action in an emergency.

Singh is studying a business course in Auckland.