FBI DIRECTOR’S COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

Reflecting on blessings, Praying for continued guidance
Kanwal Prakash Singh

Receiving FBI Director's Community Leadership Award last week at the FBI Citizens Academy's Fall Reception at Woodstock Country Club in Indianapolis was a total surprise.  I was speechless at this unexpected announcement and honor.  I am looking forward to the National gathering in April 2014 in Washington, D.C. to meet the FBI Director and other leaders from across the United States. 

It is remarkable and exciting that FBI Special Agents and Public Relations Officer, Ms. Kathryn Sipes, and other local FBI leaders, for the last four years, have been most kind to invite Sikh Americans to participate in the FBI Citizens Academy.  FBI leaders and other law enforcement officials have visited the Sikh Gurdwara (Acton Road) on several occasions and have been honored by the Sangat.

The mission of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) states: “As an intelligence-driven and a threat-focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement responsibilities, the mission of the FBI is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international agencies and partners.”

REFLECTING ON MY BLESSINGS

Sutguru's Grace and compassion on me has been immeasurable throughout my life.  I am humbled by unexpected awards and attention from people, friends, and mentors.  For that, I am very grateful.

I often reflect on the fear and uncertainty of the Partition of India and escaping with our lives from Jaranwala (now in Pakistan) 67 years ago and unimagined blessing of being given a new life and myriad opportunities to engage in countless community projects and serving, advocating, creating, and writing, since I arrived in America in 1965 for higher studies.  I have accepted and embraced what is before me as an honor to my learned father, my parents and family, and all that Sutguru has placed before me.  In that spirit, I have moved forward, often stumbling, making mistakes, and always staying determined and in Chardhikala to learn from each of you, each opportunity, and crossroad where time, circumstances, and Sutguru places me.

I have found that community engagement at many levels and in many ways is the most promising way to open new doors and unimagined opportunities for us and future generations.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Baljit Singh Oberoi for being a 2013-FBI Citizens Academy graduate.  I thank those who were so thoughtful and kind to express their happiness over this honor for me.  I believe, as the Sikh tradition commands, all rewards and triumphs belong to God.  Many of you have been making outstanding contributions in your respective fields and your seva of the Sikh American community and humanity.  We take pride in, and inspirations from, our many diverse and collective efforts and achievements in the great Holla Mohalla's of our times, in new and once-unimagined places and settings.  The future looks promising and challenging, and there is work to be done.  We ask for Higher guidance and blessings to stay focused in all our efforts to serve and uplift humanity, and make a difference to “Life, Liberty, and pursuit of Happiness,” not just our own, but for the entire Creation, cultures, and communities across the human universe.... www.KPSinghDesigns.com

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