Community Voice

April 9th, 2006

Chet 27, NANAKSHAHI Samvat 538

NEW YORK MAYOR COMMEMORATES SIKH IMMIGRANT HISTORY ON APRIL 22

New York, USA: On April 22, 2006, New York Sikhs will celebrate their rich immigrant history during a colorful event commemorated by Mayor Bloomberg’s office and organized on behalf of the NY Sikh community by UNITED SIKHS.

The event will be the first time the NY Sikh community will be participating in the Mayor’s annual Immigration Week celebrations, which were first held in 2004. It will give New York Sikhs an opportunity to share their rich heritage with New Yorkers at the Queens Central Library in Jamaica, Borough of Queens, from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Click here for event poster.

“UNITED SIKHS was invited by the Mayor’s office to organize the event. As a member of the American Sikh Consultative Forum, we saw it as an opportunity to showcase the Sikh community’s rich heritage in New York,” said Jaskaran Singh, UNITED SIKHS event co-ordinator.

“It is a tribute to our common heritage and the contribution of immigrants to the City of New York since they first arrived more than a hundred years ago. The year 2006 marks an important milestone because, for the first time, the Sikh community will be provided the opportunity to represent its community along with the rest of the New York City immigrant communities,” he added.

The event which is called “Americans in Turbans: An Inside Look at NYC Sikhs”, will include an photographic exhibition of Sikh immigrants, a display of Sikh artifacts, Bhangra (Panjabi traditional dance), Gatka demonstration (Sikh martial arts), Sikh films, and a Keertan (Sikh spiritual hymns) program. The Sikh exhibition will include portraits of Sikh immigrants, their identity and their unique place in the way of life in the United States of America. For details of the celebrations click here http://www.nyc.gov/html/imm/html/historyweek/events_calendar_0422.shtml

Queens Library Address:

89-11 Merrick Blvd.

Jamaica, NY 11432.

Tel 718 990-0700

Issued by:
Jaskaran Singh
UNITED SIKHS

Our Mission

To transform underprivileged and minority communities and individuals into informed and vibrant members of society through civic, educational and personal development programs, by fostering active participation in social and economic activity.

UNITED SIKHS is also an avenue for networking between like-minded organisations to establish and nurture meaningful projects and dialogues - whether social, cultural or political- to promote harmony, understanding and reciprocity in our villages, towns and cities.

UNITED SIKHS is a coalition of organisations and individuals, who share a common vision based on the belief that there is no greater endeavour than to serve, empower and uplift fellow beings. The core of our philosophy is an unwavering commitment to civic service and social progress on behalf of the common good.

Accordingly, UNITED SIKHS has sought to fulfil its mission not only by informing, educating and uplifting fellow beings but also by participating in cross-cultural and political exchanges to ensure that the promises and benefits of democracy are realized by all.

We at UNITED SIKHS believe that the development of enlightened and progressive societies can be made possible by socially conscious groups of people who make a commitment to develop and direct human potential. Our work, efforts and achievements stand as a testament to our faith in this vision.