Houston Sikh Community and Miri Piri Academy at MLK parade of Houston
Miri Piri Academy performing Gatka - Sikh martial art performance- enthralled the spectators at the Houston MLK Day parade. Swelling crowd of 300,000 spectators hailed the Sikh group with loud clapping and approving ‘ye’ sound as the group passed through the parade.
The crowds roared with loud cheers of approval as the martial artists paraded past them.
Gatka team extensively showed the various acts of Gatka to the beat of the Punjabi Dhol throughout the parade without taking any break. This was the 2nd time Sikhs participated in this Martin Luther King Jr parade parade in Houston.
Miri Piri Sikh Gatka Academy of Houston, Texas, which has been participating in many public events in Houston and other parts of the country, was instrumental in securing the Sikh participation in this national event. 50 members of Miri Piri Academy participated. They were followed by 60 Sikh men and women representing various gurdwaras of the Houston area. They were walking in lines and were carrying American flags and waived at the audience as they walked by.
Gursharan Singh, leader of the Miri Piri Gatka Academy Group said, “This was a great chance to show that Sikhs are part of the mainstream America and that we are equally joyous in the Houston MLK day celebration . This provided an opportunity for our youngsters to feel pride in being Sikh Americans.
A float carrying a heading ‘Sikhs of America’ was certainly drawing the attention of the audience. This float had Rajinder Pal Singh, a tabla Maestro from Gurdwara Sikh Center , playing tabla constantly with the beat of the Religious Punjabi songs which certainly had the American audience waiving their bodies. This is the opportune time that we let all Americans know that we exist and we are equally contributing to make America strong.
Representatives of the various gurdwaras walk behind the Gatka players. Dr. Hardam Singh Azad, S. Dhean Singh, S.Surjeet Singh, Bibi Gurdeep Kaur, who were on the float, greeted the parade audience.
One of parade audiences, said, “I am so glad that finally Sikhs are part of this parade. Gurdwara Sikh National Center had arranged buses for Sikhs to attend this event. Gursharn Singh , Amrit Singh , Bibi Harjit Kaur and Gatka team members worked tirelessly to make this event a great success. Gatka group had practice for long hours before this parade
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Sikh Americans became targets of hate crimes and prejudice because of their outer appearance.
We are getting involved in American parades to spread awareness about Sikhs and Sikh identity. We are participating in American festivals to show that we are very peace-loving and hard-working citizens of this great country and not members of any radical group.
Gatka display by Miri Piri Gatka Dal and the Sikh Float with powerful messages at MLK Parade. Over 300,000 people witness this program in person and many more thousands watch it on television.
A special Flyers and Pens describing the Gatka and the main Sikh principles behind this art will be distributed along the parade route.
Thanks for everyone's support.
Regards,
Gursharn Singh