Annapolis: April 27, 2012: Over 150 Indian and Sikh Community leaders had gathered at the Governor Martin O’Malley’s residence for the celebrations of the Vaisakhi on April 23, 2012. This was the second time Governor had opened his house to celebrate this Sikh holiday to recognize the community’s growing influence in the state. Governor O’Malley has received sizable support from his Sikh constituents in the last election campaign and this was his time to return the favor. Maryland is the surrounding state outside of nation's capital Washington. Dr. Rajan Natarajan, who has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary of State, External Affairs in the state of Maryland by Governor Martin O’Malley, was also present.
Function started with the Shabad " Deh Shiva Bar Moh Ihe" by Ragi Jatha of Bhai Mangal Singh from Baltimore Gurdwara Sahib.
Izzy Patoka, Director of Community Affairs of Maryland States welcomed the audience and congratulated the Sikh Community for Vaisakhi. Maryland State Delegate Aruna Miller spoke and declared “Vaisakhi is not only a Sikh or Punjabi holiday but now it has become an American holiday.” Maryland Delegate Sam Arora also invited the Indian community in general to be involved and said,” Vaisakhi means harvest season in India and similarly if we sow by getting involved in the political system and we will reap the fruits for generations to come.”
Jasdip Singh, who helped organize the event, thanked to Governor O'Malley and said, We thank for opening your house to the Sikh Community and celebrating Vaisakhi with them.”
He pointed out that Governor has fulfilled both campaign promises which is to celebrated Vaisakhi at his house and making a business trip to India. Governor O’Malley has made these promises at Jasdip's House during election time last year. He also thanked Governor for making the Maryland State, the sister state with few Indian States like Gujrat , Maharashtra as well as Punjab.
Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown also spoke and highlighted the O’Malley administrations reaching out to the Indian community and the Sikh community. He said “Governor O’Malley is the first governor to start Vaisakhi celebration at the Governor’s Mansion and we will continue this tradition. This certainly reminds us of our goal to have One Maryland recognizing its own diversity.”
Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley spoke about Vaisakhi and congratulated the Sikh Community on issuing a proclamation on the holiday. He shared his positive impression of India during his visit and also spoke about Mrs. O’Malley’s recent humanitarian initiatives in India. “I am always impressed with the hard work of your community and Maryland is proud of its citizens making this state a model state.”
Governor Martin O'Malley announced a new commission of South East Asia and he appointed Jasdip "Jesse' Singh as the Chairman to lead that commission. Jasdip Singh is the first Chairman of that commission.
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Sikhs presenting a momento with a Sikh symbol to Governor O'Malley. From left to right - Prabhjot Singh Kohli, Baljinder Singh, Governor O'Malley and Dr. Rajwant Singh
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Jasdip Singh, the newly appointed head of the Commission on South and East Asia in Maryland thanking Governor for hosting Vaisakhi. Governor O' Malley and Lt. Governor Brown in the background |
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| Governor O'Malley reading the proclamation on Vaisakhi |
Sikhs from Washington area with Paul Monteiro and US representative of the World Bank
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Ragis reciting a Sikh hymns with Governor O' Malley and Maryland Delegate Sam Arora in the background.
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A book on Sikhism was also presented to the Governor |
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| Members of Sikh and Indian community at the event | |
Baljinder Singh, President of Sikh Association of Baltimore, said, “It is honor for all our Sikh Community to have a Sikh person as the Chairman of the Commssion.”
In addition, Deputy Chief of Mission to Ambassador Mr. Arun K. Singh and representative from White House Paul Monteiro spoke at the celebrations.
At the end, a momento (dhal with two kirpans ) and book about Sikh religion were given to Governor by Baljinder (Shammi) Singh, Gurdeb Singh, Dr. Rajwant Singh of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation and Prabhjot Kohli from Guru Nanak Foundation of America. Indian dinner was served by the Governor.
For more information: Baljinder Singh 443 676 5687