The First Sikh Heritage Award was conferred on Congressman Dan Burton (R) at a special dinner at the Hyatt Regency, Oak Brook, Illinois on Saturday September 3, 1988. The dinner was organised by the Association of Sikh Professionals. There were five Mayors of different towns as dignitaries in the function.
Guljit Singh gave a very impressive introduction of Congressman Porter of Illinois; Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh threw light on Dan Burton’s contributions to the Sikh cause.
The contribution of Surinderpal Singh Kalra, Director of Administration of World Sikh Organisation to the Sikh cause were very much appreciated and recognised. He thanked the Organisers on behalf of World Sikh Organisation for the excellent function and affirmed the support of Sikh community to both the Congressmen; Bibi Jasbir Kaur read a note of thanks. The function ended with a colorful glimpse of Panjabi Culture through Bhangra organised by Rajinderbir Singh Mago.
The highlight of the function was a declaration of 3rd of September as Sikh day in Chicago by Reverend B. Herbert Martin, an Executive Director who represented the Mayor of Chicago.
On Sunday, September 4, 1988 Congressman Dan Burton addressed the congregation at Palatine Gurdwara. Dr. Balwant Singh Hanbra introduced him to the Sangat. Dr. Karamjit Singh Rai of World Sikh Organisation with five other members of the community presented him Siri Sahib with Saropas for the excellent support he gave to the Sikh cause.
Surinderpal Singh Kalra addressing the Sangat honoured the Congressman as the beloved American Leader of the Sikhs because he had won the hearts of the Sikhs not merely by words but by deeds. He thanked the Congressman and his wife Barbara Burton on behalf of the Sikh community of Chicago and World Sikh Organisation.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 30, 1988
