Feb. 16, 2005
By Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
Several emails and sources have proudly announced
the exciting news of the recognition and tribute being
accorded to the late Congressman Dalip Singh Saund.
I am proud to share my reflections on this great news.
Let us take such moments and past proud achievements
to yet higher levels and prepare the next generation
to think in the framework of their expanded opportunities,
future responsibilities, and global challenges.
HONOR FOR A SON OF SOIL OF THE PUNJAB
We are happy to learn about the news that the
U.S. House of Representives recently honored the late
Dalip Singh Saund, the first Sikh member of Congress
in 1950's, with a special resolution. We are glad
that a U.S. Post Office in his California Congressional
District is being named after him. This recognition
has been long overdue and is deeply appreciated by
all Americans and especially the Sikh Americans.
As the more recent arrivals to the American shores,
we cannot fully understand or appreciate the struggle,
sacrifice, and hardships faced by the generations
that arrived in the U.S.A. long before us. Some of
us have some idea where we were forty years ago, the
cultural, spiritual, and civil rights passage that
has been covered since, and what barriers have been
and still need to be broken.
For all of us this is a landmark moment to rejoice
and celebrate. We are especially proud and grateful
for this thoughtful Congressional salute to an early
pioneer from the Land of Five Rivers, Punjab, which
for centuries has been one of the important spiritual
and cultural Gateway to the Soul of India. How wonderful
that in recent decades Punjab has sent many hardworking
and enterprising sons to America to explore new daring
paths and professions and their destiny, break new
grounds to serve and build this proud Union, and bring
honor and pride to their community, culture, and new
nation.
Each successful effort to reintroduce or remind ourselves
and others about the contributions of the Sikh/Punjabi/Asian
Indian immigrants to the American democracy and related
institutions should be matter of pride for all Americans.
We offer our congratulations to all who tirelessly
worked to spotlight this humble man who rose to great
heights, and succeeded in achieving this recognition
for Dalip Singh Saund at this special time in the
history of the Sikh community around the world.
We should celebrate the impressive and landmark contributions
being made by the Sikh/Punjabi/Asian Indian community
in the U.S. and around the world in the areas of business
and services, science and technology, arts and letters,
faith and culture, politics and public service, and
all other fields of human endeavor and accomplishments.
Looking at the energy and dreams of the coming generations
of young SikhAmericans, we can be certain that many
undreamed-of achievements will occur, some of them
hopefully in our life time. That thought is something
to reflect upon, work towards, and pray for with all
our hearts. With Sutguru's blessings, "Jaan tun
tussey Mehervaan achint vussey mun aayye"(Lord,
when Your Grace is upon us , the undreamed-of is possible
and blessed."
There may some lessons and voices and distinguished
leaders that the Sikh and Punjabi community should
invite to our cause. I am attaching my weekly Comment/Opinion
column for the The Indianapolis Star about one such
enlightened and chrismatic leader. I was impressed
by his powerful presentation, deep understanding,
and personal testimony of his rise from darkness into
prominence.
With prayers and blessings,
Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
