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President Obama, the State of the Union, and the Americans of Oak Creek

February 13, 2013 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

Last night, it was likely for the first time in the history of State of the Union addresses that the word “Sikh” was uttered by the President of the United States when speaking to a joint session of Congress about his legislative agenda. In his State of the Union speech last night, President Obama paid tribute to Oak Creek, Wisconsin, hero Lieutenant Brian Murphy: We should follow the example of a police officer named Brian Murphy. When a gunman opened […]

Categories: Civil Rights, Hate Crimes, Politics • Tags: Barack Obama, Lt. Brian Murphy, Oak Creek, President of the United States, Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, State of the Union, Wisconsin

Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and the Golden Temple in Amritsar. (source: The Telegraph)

The Top 5 Sikh American Stories of 2012: Honorable mentions

January 24, 2013 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

For each of five days, I looked at what I considered as the Top 5 Sikh American Stories of 2012: The Oak Creek Massacre Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana Victories in employment equality The inspiring grace of Balpreet Kaur Sikh Americans celebrate a century All of these stories were significant in relation to Sikh Americans during the year. However, there were several events during 2012 that arguably could be considered among the top five stories (and, while the “top five” list […]

Categories: Reflections • Tags: Barack Obama, Darbar Sahib, Democratic National Convention, Dr. Onkar Bindra, FlyRights, Golden Temple, Harpreet Singh Saini, Ishwar Singh, Jay Leno, Jusleen Kaur, Michelle Obama, Mitt Romney, Republican National Convention, Ricky Gill, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, White House

Gun control is about more than gun rights

January 16, 2013 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

In recognizing Religious Freedom Day, President Obama made a proclamation that celebrated the right to religious freedom in the United States: Because of the protections guaranteed by our Constitution, each of us has the right to practice our faith openly and as we choose. As a free country, our story has been shaped by every language and enriched by every culture. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, Sikhs and non-believers. Our patchwork heritage is a […]

Categories: Civil Rights, Hate Crimes • Tags: Barack Obama, gun control, gun violence, Oak Creek, Religious Freedom Day, Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, Wisconsin

White House to commemorate birth anniversary of Guru Nanak tomorrow

December 6, 2012 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

As in 2009 and in 2010, the White House will be holding a special ceremony on Friday to commemorate the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, born in 1469. Manmeet Singh Grewal, from Modesto, California, is among 150 Sikhs who have been invited to attend: “For me, it’s an honor,” Grewal said Wednesday morning. “Furthermore, it’s a honor for the entire Sikh community.” …What will he say if he has a chance to speak to the […]

Categories: Events, Politics • Tags: Barack Obama, California, Guru Nanak, Manmeet Singh Grewal, Modesto, White House

Sikhs in US petition White House to recognize 1984 genocide

November 29, 2012 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

The group Sikhs for Justice is currently collecting signatures to petition the President of the United States to recognize the organized pogroms against Sikhs in India in 1984 as a genocide: During November 1984 the Congress Party of India organized and perpetrated violence with intent to destroy the Sikh community, resulting in more than 30,000 killed; women raped; Gurudwaras burnt and more than 300,000 displaced. The systematic violence against Sikhs was concealed and portrayed by the Indian governments as Anti-Sikh […]

Categories: 1984, Politics • Tags: Amu, Barack Obama, November 1984, President of the United States, Shonali Bose, Sikh genocide, Sikh genocide petition, Sikhs for Justice, WikiLeaks

President Obama’s statement on birth anniversary of Guru Nanak

November 28, 2012 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

Sikhs around the world are celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith who was born in 1469. As he has done in his previous years in office (2010, 2011), President Barack Obama has offered his felicitations on the birth anniversary. In his remarks, the President also made mention of the victims of the shooting at the Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin in August. It was this President who was the first to celebrate the […]

Categories: Events, Politics • Tags: Barack Obama, Guru Nanak Dev, White House

Statement by President Obama on the observance of Diwali

November 13, 2012 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

President Obama offered his felicitations today on the celebration of Diwali: The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release November 13, 2012 Statement by the President on the Observance of Diwali Today, here at home and across the globe, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists will celebrate the holiday of Diwali – the festival of lights. Diwali is a time for gathering with family and friends, often marked with good food and dancing. It is also a […]

Categories: Events, Politics • Tags: Bandi Chhorh Divas, Barack Obama, Diwali

"Guru Hargobind - a painting from the Lahore Museum (courtsey F.Aijazzudin)" (source: sikh-heritage.co.uk)

Reflecting on Bandi Chhorh Divas as a personal challenge

November 12, 2012 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

This week, most of those of South Asian descent around the world are celebrating Diwali, the “festival of lights” that is rooted in the Hindu tradition. It is one of the major celebrations of the year for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, and was even recognized in a video by President Obama in 2009. I have written in past years about Bandi Chhorh Divas — the Sikh celebration at this time of year that commemorates the release from the prison at […]

Categories: Events, Reflections • Tags: Bandi Chhorh Divas, Barack Obama, Diwali, Guru Hargobind

Amardeep Singh with President Barack Obama

Amardeep Singh: What the Obama administration has done for the Sikh community

November 6, 2012 by American Turban Guest Contributor

Amardeep Singh is long-time Sikh activist, who is known in particular for his work with the Sikh Coalition. This piece however is written in his personal capacity. On this election day in the United States, Amardeep has graciously provided a few thoughts for consideration.You can follow Amardeep on Twitter at @amarhoboken. Dear Sikh Friends, In case there is any Sikh American voter left to be persuaded, I just wanted to share this quick but comprehensive list of what the Obama Administration […]

Categories: Politics, Reflections • Tags: 2012 elections, Amardeep Singh, Barack Obama, President of the United States, SikhVOTE

Considering the experience of Sikhs in America.

Tag: Barack Obama