NEW YORK: Indian delegates led by Mr. Pari puran Singh Heyer, Deputyk Consul in the Indian Consulate, walked out of the fund raising dinner for the First International Immigrants Parade to be held on October 26, 1986 in protest against the inclusion of Sikh religious flag (Nishan Sahib) among the flags of 18 participating ethnic groups. The dinner was held at Marriot Marques Hotel on Broadway in New York on October 18, 1986. Indian delegates protested against the Sikh flag and wanted it to be removed, They claimed that Sikh formed part of the Indian ethnic group. The participating Sikhs, however, maintained that Sikh were separate ethnic group and Sikh immigrants in the United States were not necessarily from India. They had come here from Africa, Europe, Middle East and far Eastern countries. They explained that their flag indicated their district and separate ethnic identity.
Delegates from Pakistan, Afghanistan and China supported the Sikhs and declared that if “Sikh flag goes down, then, their flags will also go down”. After Mr. Joe Haneman , Chief coordinator. Suggested a compromise that all flags, except that of the Unit State, should be removed s, Indian delegates felt unhappy at the suggestion and left the dinner in a huff . After they left Indian flag was removed and Sikh flag (Kesari Nishan Sahib) remained fluttering, The action of the Indian delegates was deplored by all the participating groups some of whom specially posed for photographs under the Sikh flag.
Chinese Ambassador was also critical of the Indian behaviour. Sikh contingent was the largest and all Sikh delegates were accompanied by their wives. Miss Sonia Mann of New Jersey presented a glimpse of the Sikh cultural in the form of Bhangra dance. All groups joined the dance and appreciated the participation of the Sikhs.
Mr. Joe Haneman, Chairman of the organization, visited Richmond Hill Gurdwara next day along with many other ethnic groups representatives. In his speech, he complimented the Sikhs for their peaceful disposition and requested the Sangat to participate in large numbers in the parade a separate ethnic group, Sikhs of New York and Tri States accepted the invitation and decided to partte. Gurdwara Richmond Hill promised five busses, while Gurdwara Bridgewater and Gurdwara Singh Sabha (New Jersey) promised four and two busses respectively. Connecticut and New England areas are also expected to participate in large numbers.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 24, 1986
