GLENROCK, NJ: Congressman Jim Courter (R) who is a candidate in the gubernatorial race in New Jersey described his meeting with the Sikh constituents at Sri Guru Singh Sabha here as the one of the most touching moments in my life.

The Congressman was warmly welcomed in the Gurdwara by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Swaran Singh Gandhok, President Kammikar Singh, Vice President Sohan Singh Colotia, General Secretary Prithpal Singh Khala and Dr. Ranbir Singh Bhalla.

In his welcome address Dr. Bhalla, who is a scientist and a businessman, referred to the 10,000 Sikhs in the state who could be an important factor in the race come election time.

Dr. H. S. Nagar in his address gave a brief history of Sikhism and that of the Sikh people in America. He referred to Daleep Singh ‘Saund the Sikh Senator from New Jersey who had served in the Congress.

Ravi Singh Bhalla addressed Courter’s accomplishments as well as his position on the major issues ‘of the gubernatorial campaign. “If Courter is elected on November 7, you will no longer have to worry about high taxes, high auto insurance, Bhalla, a high school junior studying at Montville Township High school, reminded the Congregation that Courter cosigned a bill in the 100th Congress, H.R. 343, which asked India to respect the human rights of Sikh people in India. He said, Governor Kean came to our temple in Bridgewater and pledged his support for the Sikhs. You can rest assured that Congressman Courter will follow in the tradition of Governor Kean as a supporter of the Sikh community,

Later the temple’s head priest, Chani Ji, presented Courter with a siropa. Later in his address to the 1,500 Sikhs Congressman Courte stated, “As a student in college, I remember studying the Sikh religion. As governor, I will do my best to keep the interest of the Sikh community in mind, ”Many of my campaign trips to New York are by helicopter. During these travels I often go look over the Statue of Liberty can see the Statue of Liberty in the eyes of the people in Nicaragua, in the eyes of the Hungarians, in the eyes of the Lithuanians and Armenian, and in the eyes of the Sikhs in Punjab. And can see the Statue of Liberty in the eyes of all of you… This is not only one of the most touching moments of my campaign, but it is one of the most touching moments of my life.” The Congressman concluded.

Article extracted from this publication >>  November 3, 1989