Sikhs of America Honors Diaspora Leaders at Vaisakhi Gala
WASHINGTON — Sikhs of America honored Sikh community leaders, lawmakers, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and business figures from the United States and Britain at its annual Vaisakhi Gala Dinner, recognizing their contributions to public service, humanitarian work and Sikh representation.
The honorees included Virginia Delegate JJ Singh; industrialist and entrepreneur Baldev Singh Kang; Oregon-based philanthropist Sardar Bahadur Singh; Ramesh Singh Arora, minister of human rights and minorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province; and British Sikh MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi.
Singh was recognized for becoming the first turbaned Sikh to serve in a state legislature in U.S. history. He said Sikh principles shaped his political campaign.
“Work hard, serve others, and believe in something bigger than yourself,” Singh said.
“Sikh values are American values,” he said. “It’s about the overlap between the values of our faith and the values of our country.”
Singh also pointed to legislation he sponsored in Virginia related to protecting places of worship, lowering college costs and preventing gun violence.
Arora was honored for his work promoting Sikh heritage preservation and supporting Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan. In his remarks, he referred to the Kartarpur Corridor initiative and efforts to improve access for Sikh pilgrims to historic gurdwaras in Pakistan.
Kang was recognized for his contributions to business and industry. Organizers cited his work in the trucking and steel sectors, as well as expanding business interests in India, Armenia, Dubai and the United States.
Sardar Bahadur Singh was honored for humanitarian and educational work. Organizers said he has supported free medical treatment and education initiatives for families in need.
Dhesi was recognized for representing minority communities in the U.K. Parliament and promoting diversity and democratic values.
Jasdip Singh Jassi, head of Sikhs of America, said the initiative was created to highlight Sikh contributions in mainstream American society.
“We should continue this love and give our youngsters and coming generations the message of Sikh values,” Jassi said. (Source: IANS)
