Nearly one century ago the first Sikhs set foot on the West Coast of North America Today many hundreds of thousands of them are living in the United States and a like number in Canada. Over the last century the Sikhs have played a remarkable role in North America in fields such as agriculture entrepreneurship academia medicine sciences politics civic activities and industry. They go about their business contributing to society raising their families and living a devout religious life.
However as Americans they are relatively unknown unrecognized and frequently misunderstood. The younger Sikh Americans are particularly eager to partake in America while following their cherished Sikh tradition.
In order for the Sikhs to enjoy their rightful status in American life it is imperative that every effort be made to disseminate knowledge on their history culture art literature and religion as widely as possible To fulfill this very important task The Sikh Foundation in commemorating its 25th Anniversary has undertaken to sponsor an international conference on “Sikh Art and Literature” a Banquet and an art exhibit entitled “Splendors of the Punjab.
Art of the Sikhs.” (The chief guests of the November 28 Banquet are Ginetta Sagan Amnesty International and Pete McCloskey Former U.S. Congressman.)
It is hoped that these three functions will provide a glimpse of the Sikh heritage not only to Sikhs but also to our American friends.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 4, 1992
