STOCKTON,CA: Congressman Richard Pombo extending his support 10 Sikhs in their struggle for freedom from India, said “self-determination, the rights to worship and live in freedom were of paramount importance to man.” Addressing a large congregation of men, women and children at the historical Stockton Gurdwara, Congressman Richard Pombo said he appreciated the Sikhs in the USA who had proved themselves ‘good citizens of the (San Joaquin) Valley and the United States of America, He said, “] have respect for hardworking people who care for their family and look after themselves and their people.” Good family norms and values are important for the progress of the nation. Earlier, welcoming the Congressman to the congregation Dr.G.S.Grewal editor in chief of the World Sikh News said that Honorable Richard Pombois well known for his courage of convictions and as a man of principles, “He is a religious, God fearing man who is not afraid of saying the truth; “He is the kind of person we need to represent us.” He added,””Mr.Pombo understood the problems of Sikhs in India and we are proud of him.” He appreciated the support which Mr.Pombo had extended to the Sikhs by voting for the Vic Fazio and Dan Burton Amendments, in the House of Representatives earlier this year. Dr,Grewal called upon the Sikhs of San Joaquin County to get registered and vote for Mr.Pombo in the clections next year. Mr.Pombo was presented with a ‘Siropa’ (scarf of honor) by Mr.Kewal Singh Pannu who thanked the Congressman for sparing time to come to the Gurdwara and speak to the congregation.

Mr. Ujjal Singh Dhatt, President of the Gurdwara Managing Committee presented a plaque to Mr.Pombo.

Mr.Pombo, thanked the congregation for giving him an opportunity to address the gathering and said, in today’s world, the USA has a very important role to Perform. “There are many places where there is a need to step in to help people to attain personal freedom.” The USA, he added, must Step in to demand the right of People to have personal freedom, He well understood the problems the Sikhs are facing in Punjab and also here. He himself belonged to a family which had migrated from Portugal two generations ago and his back ground had taught him to respect people who looked after their families and worked hard. Touching upon the current is Sues of immigration and education he said these needed great care and wise handling. Immigrants “formed the backbone of the nation” and reforms affecting them needed careful handling. Education was extremely important as this was a stepping stone for a better life.

The state of California was gripped by recession and people suffered from unemployment related problems. “Economic and social issues were intertwined” he said. And their resolution needed delicate handling, The United States stood for personal freedom of the individual and liberty to pursue a happy life and he would always work for the furtherance of these objectives.

Mr.Pombo also visited the Gurdwara library escorted by S.Ujjal Singh Dhatt, Dr.G.S.Grewal, Ajit Singh Khalsa and Kewal Singh Pannu. He evinced keen interest in the history of Sikhs. The events of 1984 in which year the Indian Army stormed the Harmandir Sahib, killing Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Gen. Shabeg Singh, Bhai Amnk Singh and thousands of innocent pilgrims were explained to him. The subsequent killings of nearly 10,000 Sikhs all over India in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s slaying by two brave Sikhs, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh to avenge her attack on the Holy Harmandir Sahib and the Struggle for Independence of Khalistan which has been going on since then, were narrated to the Congressman.

After attending the congregation Mr.Pombo partook of the langar (community kitchen) which is an integral part of a Sunday function at the Gurdwara,

The Sikhs of Stockton have been in the forefront of the communities effort to enlighten their Congressman about the suppression of their brethren in Punjab and Mr.Pombo’s visit to the historical Gurdwara and library was another step forward in this direction.

Article extracted from this publication >>  August 27, 1993