I was in Fresno on the eve of Election, 1986 in connection with a very successful political ‘event organized by the Sikhs of Central California. During this visit, Mohinder Singh Sandhu and Ranbir Singh Sekhon strongly pleaded with me for my ‘open support of the Sikh News. These two young men have contributed much to the Sikh cause. Hence, I care for what they have to say. Dr. Ranjit Singh Raj Paul and Mohinder Singh Grewal have also applied some pressure on me over the last year in their characteristic gentle styles. ‘Among other factors, these Sikhs’ selfless and sincere lobbying has prompted me for write this letter.
‘Sikh News has emerged as a major and consistent voice of Sikhs in the U.S. despite many hurdles; it has succeeded whereas many similar attempts have failed. The survival itself for this long is no small achievement given the apathy and lack of general support.
I have enjoyed your editorials. They are timely, informative and intellectually stimulating. I anxiously await the arrival of each new issue, perhaps like many other readers; I find most stories in Sikh News “Panthic”, some articles relevant but not too well thought out, and a few pieces of “excess baggage”. On balance, the Sikh News has attempted to serve the Sikhs well, As you have addressed your concerns to all responsible Sikhs many times over the last two years, a greater involvement of even more Sikhs is not only desirable but an absolute must for the continued survival and maturity of Sikh News.
I plead “guilty” to the charge of my insignificant involvement thus far in this critical component of Sikh struggle. With Waheguru blessing, I, hereby, pledge to change that. Enclosed is my check to cover a few years’ subscription. I fully intend to promote Sikh News as widely as possible. If you find desirable, I am willing to serve as one of your area (or at large, particularly political) representatives. I plan to contribute to the contents of Sikh News in manners consistent with “Panthic” needs of the hour. Please feel free to call on me if I can further the Sikh cause through Sikh News in some other ways.
A people without voice cannot be heard. Politics of the various U.S. Sikh leaders and organizations aside; we must develop the strongest possible collective voice of the Sikhs, for the Sikhs and by the Sikhs, Sikh News now represents that dream! I request all Sikhs to join hands and convert this dream into reality of our most powerful voice.
Har dam Singh Azad, Ph.D. Chairman, Sikh Association of America
Houston, Texas
Dear Sir:
I started subscribing to “World: Sikh News” in August, 1986, and paid my annual dues at that time. I have found it very useful and it keeps me abreast with the current news. I have strongly recommended it to other families in this area and I am quite hopeful that they will start supporting this venture soon.
I would appreciate it if you could send me Dr. Gurbux Singh’s new book “Faith For Modern Man”.
Sincerely, Baljit Singh Gill
Article extracted from this publication >> November 21, 1986