US Vice President Mike Pence has lauded the contributions made by Sikhs in America and urged them to keep serving in the military and elected positions at the local, state, and federal levels. “Sikh Community and its issues are always close to my heart and I always admire the contribution of Sikhs in India and across the US,” he told a Sikh Delegation in Indianapolis.
In a recent meeting with the Sikhs Political Action Committee (SikhsPAC) led by Gurinder Singh Khalsa, Pence stated that he was fully aware of Sikh awareness concerns while he served as governor, a SikhsPAC media release said.
During the meeting with the delegation, the main topic of discussion was Sikh awareness and the introduction of Sikh History into the public history curriculum through the federal department of education. According to the statement, the 58-year-old leader also admired SikhsPAC's efforts in encouraging Sikhs to participate in mainstream politics. Pence reaffirmed his support for the Sikh community during the meeting and encouraged it to continue serving by holding public office and serving in the military.
Khalsa met with about two dozen US senators and congressmen earlier this week. In addition, he attended the US Global Leadership Collision which involved about 500 faith leaders from around the world, veterans from the armed forces, and elected leaders from all around the world. In 2015, Pence was the first sitting governor to attend a Sikh Parade and present the highest Civil award to a Sikh.
A resolution honoring the significant contributions of Sikhs to America was adopted by the US state of Indiana. Recently, there has been an increase in hate crimes committed against Sikhs in America. In March, a partially-masked gunman shot a 39-year-old Sikh outside his home in Kent, Washington, shouting "Go back to your own country.”
The Vice president’s statements during such hostile times are a step toward fostering a climate of respect for religious diversity and a culture of mutual understanding. His efforts have earned him admiration and warmth from the Sikh community.
*Based on an article in The Indian Express, by PTI, Washington, June 18, 2017