By A Staff Reporter

SACRAMENTO: The Mayor of West Sacramento Fidel A Mertinez, Congressman Vic Fazio’s representative Andy Grow, World Sikh Organization’s International president Gian Singh Sandhu WSO national president Gurcharan Singh Dhillon and Didar Singh Bains were amongst the main speakers at a function to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the WSO and the sixth anniversary of the Sikh Temple (Gurdwara Sahib) at Sacramento on July 30th.

The function drew a large number of people from various parts of California as well as a few from Canada.

After the hoisting of the Nishan Sahib, Didar Singh Bains the founder president of WSO spoke to the congregation on the achievements of the WSO as an umbrella organization of the Sikhs.

Gian Singh Sandhu spoke on how the Indian government machinations and covert actions were revealed in the book “Soft Target” written by two eminent Canadians. He referred to India’s growing military might and said the 300 million spent on missile development could better be used to feed the poor. Ninety percent of the assets in India were owned by less than 10% of the elite, he said.

Mayor Mertinez of the city of West Sacramento said “We didn’t like oppression in 1729 and you don’t like oppression either.” He said he agreed with the Sikh percept of equality as the basis of all mankind and said Sikhs should invite more Americans at functions like this.

The mayor praised the work done by the Gurdwaras in helping. The community of West Sacramento.

Gurcharan Singh Dhillon spoke of the massacre of Sikhs by Indian troops at the Golden Temple in Amnitsar. He said, “We should adopt human causes and be active in supporting the local activities wherever we live,

Andy Grow, the district director of Congressman Vic Fazio conveyed the greetings of the Congressman to the Sikh community.

He said the vote on Congressman Wally Herger’s amendment to cut aid to India till it stops the violation of human rights is indicative of the work of the Sikhs. There is “just a little more to go,” he added.

Lakhbir Singh Cheema vice president of the WSO in his address focused on the role of the media. “Media is more powerful than armies. Support the World’ Sikh News which is making people aware of human rights violations. Dr. Amarjit Singh said “political power came in the hands of the Bhramins for the first time in 1947 after five centuries, therefore they are attacking the Sikhs. May the Satguru give us the strength to become the Khalsa.”

Gumam Singh Pamma, senior vice president WSO spoke of the necessity to support the struggle in Punjab.

Max Henri Cadet an attorney said, “power concedes nothing without a demand, it never has and never will,” and spoke of the black struggle for equality.

Ajit Singh Pannu, of the youth of California also spoke on the occasion.

The program was noteworthy because of the participation of a number of Americans in it. A press conference was held which was attended by the local television and news media.

The conference was addressed by Gian Singh Sandhu, Gurcharan Singh Dhillon, Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal, President WSN, Gurnam Singh Pamma and Joginder Singh Bains of Canada.

They answered a series of questions regarding the violation of human rights by government of India and the Sikh struggle in Punjab.

Article extracted from this publication >>  August 4, 1989