Avtar Singh, the humble,
unassuming sevak and his dedication to many worthy projects, honored
by Mayor of Indianapolis
AVTAR SINGH HONORED BY INDIANAPOLIS
MAYOR & SIKH COMMUNITY
Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh
The Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson visited the Sikh Temple
on Acton Road on Sunday, October 7th for the second time in four
years. The Mayor was accompanied by the City’s Faith-Based
Coordinator, Ms. Marquisha Bridgeman.
In a stunning
surprise, the Mayor had brought a special Proclamation for one
of our own, a beloved long-time tireless sevaks, Avtar
Singh. The Proclamation read by the Mayor himself highlighted
Avtar’s many services to the Hoosier Sikh Community
and dedication to many worthy projects in and out side the Sikh
American community over the last 37 years. The Honorable
Mayor also participated in presenting a special and the First
SEWA AWARD on behalf of the Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis to Avtar
Singh for his distinguished service to the Sikh Satsang and growing
Hoosier Sikh community.
Avtar Singh, the humble and unassuming sevak and a community
elder was deeply moved by this unexpected outpouring of love by
the Sikh community and Satsang leadership. Avtar was especially
touched by the extraordinary honor in the Mayor’s Proclamation
declaring October 7, 2007 as Avtar Singh Day in Indianapolis.
Mayor Bart Peterson was warmly received by the Sikh Satsang leaders
and was enthusiastically introduced to a large audience of Sunday
Worshippers by long-time Indiana resident and a friend of the
Mayor, KP Singh, as a man who “stands tall because of his
uncommon touch, humanitarian insights, unbounded enthusiasm and
friendliness, and deep commitment to serve and make a difference.”
KP further added, our Mayor is well aware of the commitment of
Hoosier Sikhs to the City, and understands that “Sikh Americans
have been innocent victims of ignorance, mistaken identity, harassment,
and unprovoked violence” in many places across the USA since
September 11, 2001.
Mayor Bart Peterson in his remarks praised the Sikh community
for their warm welcome, pioneer spirit and new creative investments
as they set down their roots in central Indiana, and for their
contributions and enthusiastic support of many civic and community
events and organizations. The Mayor assured his personal support
and friendship to the Sikh community as he presented his vision
and efforts to make Indianapolis a welcome and attractive destination;
a City that honors and celebrate diversity and City that is safe
and serves all Indianapolis residents and visitors.
Mayor Peterson challenged the gathering to get involved and be
active partners in building a community that we may be all proud
of and to serve within and outside our faith-based initiatives
and commitments with the gifts that each of you bring to this
City and your community. During his remarks, he cited several
times the outstanding service of Avtar Singh to the Hoosier Sikh
community and to the spirit of our City.
Mayor Bart Peterson was presented with an inscribed copy of the
elegant book, “The Illustrated History of the Sikhs”
by Khushwant Singh, by Satsang President, Harpreet Sandhu and
Satsang Trustee, Maninder Walia. Giani Pritam Singh, Head Priest
of The Sikh Temple on Acton Road, presented The Honorable Mayor
an Indian Shawl on behalf of the Sangat and during the Ardas (prayer
and supplication) prayed for honored guest’s health and
success in discharging his duties and awesome responsibility as
our Mayor.
Mayor Bart Peterson’s visit was another example of the
leadership of the Sikh Satsang pursuing the idea of expanding
and accelerating its efforts and outreach towards the mainstreaming
of the Hoosier Sikhs into the Indianapolis life, community, and
institutions. To this end, several individual members and sometimes
as a group, the Hoosier Sikh Americans have been actively supporting
and participating in many educational forums, civic events and
volunteer projects in central Indiana including, The Asian American
Alliance’s annual multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-generational
“Race for All Races.” We have been participating in
the September 11 “Community Fair on the Monument Circle”
organized by The City of Indianapolis and United Way of Central
Indiana that features hundreds of not-for profit groups and services.
Each year, we have participated in The Indiana University Polis
Center’s wonderful “Spirit & Place Festival,”
the Carmelite Monastery’s moving “Interfaith Peace
Prayer Service,” Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral’s
beautiful “Interfaith Thanksgiving Service,” and many
High School functions and other fundraising celebrations for worthy
causes.
P.S.: The attached photographs are contributed by Maninder Walia,
KP Singh, Harpreet Sandhu.
Kanwal Prakash “KP” Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
www.KPSinghDesigns.com