BY A STAFF REPORTER
WASHINGTON, DC — History was made when over 20 elected representatives of the U.S. Congress came and spoke to the thunderous applause of Sikhs from across America in an overflowing hall of the Dirksen Senate Building of the U.S. Capitol.  The Sikh American Heritage Dinner reception organized by the Sikh Council on Religion and Education was to “highlight the contributions of Sikhs towards building and strengthening America.”

Over 300 community activists’ from different states came during a working day to reach out to their elected representatives in U.S. Congress.   “This is the largest gathering of the Sikhs ever to assemble at the Capitol Hill to make their case” said Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of SCORE.

On this occasion, SCORE honored a few Sikhs for their contribution to the American life in art, science, education and business.

Congressman Mike Honda and Congressman Joe Wilson were honored for their contributions to America and for their support of Sikh issues in U.S.  Honda was honored with an award in the name of the 9th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur and Wilson was given an award in the name of Bhagat Singh Thind, a Sikh activist and World War I veteran who fought for citizenship in the early part of the 20th century in America. 

Both Wilson and Honda expressed deep appreciation for this gesture by the Sikh community.   Honda had played role in speaking against prejudices against Sikhs arising out of the 9/11 tragedy and against the TSA rules to check turbans at the airport.  Wilson moved a resolution in the U.S. Congress to have an official portrait of Dalip Singh Saund in the U. S. Capitol Hill building and that portrait is prominently displayed.  Saund was the first Asian, Indian and Sikh to be elected in the U.S.

Mike Honda started his comments with the Sikh greeting with audience joining in. While thanking the community, he said, “I know you bring us here to honor us, but the fact remains that it is us who come here to honor your work, your presence and your contributions.”

Honda added, “Thank you for teaching all of us who you are, for only in that way will we become the country that you dream of and that we all dream of together. While referring the case of Sikh student whose turban was lighted in school, he said, “we ought to make sure that no child, no member of the community shall be put aside, put down, put out for what they believe in, for what they appear to be, or for what religion they practice.”

Those who were honored at this event were:  Sandeep Singh Caberwal, a Sikh entrepreneur in Silicon Valley and a model, wears a turban, has a beard and was chosen by designer Kenneth Cole in its recent fashion campaign: Ms. Tami Yeager and Preetmohan Singh for their film documentary “A Dream in Doubt, “ which explores the real life story of Rana Singh Sodhi’s family, whose brother was murdered as the first hate crime victim in AZ in the 9/11 aftermath; Darshpreet Singh ,  a recent graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. was co-captain of the Men’s Basketball team and fan favorite, and believed to be the only turbaned Sikh to play in a National college basketball game; Dr. Jagjit Singh Khalsa is the Chief of Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse at the US National Institutes of Health; Gurvendra Singh Suri, founder & CEO Optimal Solutions Integration, Inc., a successful technology consulting Company in Dallas, TX; Raghbir Singh Subhanpur, business owner from New York and President of New York Shiromani Akali Dal was honored with Community Service award and Surinder Singh Chawla, Nassau County Human Rights Commissioner, was honored for Social Activism and Service. Ro Khanna, an Indian American political activist from California was also honored for his role in supporting Sikh issues.

Gwen Hubbard of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spoke and said, “We are extremely proud and grateful for the efforts of the Sikh community.”  Sikhs have assisted the FBI in many ways, especially after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Congressman Wally Herger, who represents over 15,000 Sikhs in a Congressional district of California, described the Sikh community as “very good citizens, neighbors, and good friends of mine.” His constituency which envelops Yuba City has the largest population of Sikhs in one voting district.

Sartaj Singh Dhami, an Outreach Director of SCORE, said, “With the large turnout, both from Sikhs throughout the United States and House leadership, the annual dinner hosted by SCORE allows for a great opportunity for Sikhs to gather in Washington DC to promote their presence in America.  Furthermore it allows a great networking opportunity, as many Sikhs from California, Texas, and New York attend the event in great numbers.”

The legislators in attendance were recognized for their efforts for cooperation and were presented with the book “Guru Nanak and his Teachings”.

Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey has attended all five Sikh Heritage Dinner Receptions. “Sikhs are proud and strong people,” Pallone said. “The Sikh women are also very strong and play an important role and I have deep respect for your community.”

Along with honoring Congressmen, the event recognized the youth that has served the Sikh community. 

The event was inspirational and motivating, as seen by Dr. Hardam Singh Azad from Houston, who said “we are not content with being spectators; we get involved.” 

Some of the other prominent Congressional leaders who spoke at the event were: Congressman Costa, Congressman Radanovich, Congresswomen Hilda Solis, Congressman Ed Royce, Congressman Ted Poe, and Congressman Andre Carson. Senator Hillary Clinton also sent her staff to attend and in addition her office helped in arranging the event.