SAN FRANCISCO: Nearly 300 people packed Delhi Restaurant July 12 to honor S Darshan Singh soon after San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos signed a piece of legislation Singh helped to get passed that would allow Asian Indians to become eligible once again to bid for city contracts under the city’s minority business enterprise law
Asian Indians were excluded from the bidding process two years ago after the city decided that they did not meet its affirmative action policies.
SS Darshan Singh used his City Hall clout in urging Mayor Art Agnos to reconsider the city’s Stand.
The mayor lavish in his praise for Singh said that the Indo American has been “steadfast in advancing the best interests of San Francisco”. But through it all Agnos said Singh never forgot his ethnic background.
Agnos complained that Singh never kissed him back after he had hugged and kissed the blushing man and handed him a proclamation from the city declaring July 12 as “Darshan Singh Day”.
Lt. Govermor Leo McCarthy installed Singh an on the California Commission for Economic Development’s Advisory Council on Asia. He described Singh in his speech as “one of the most idealistic people” as he handed Singh a proclamation from the State recognizing his achievements.
Supervisor Willie Kennedy congratulated Singh on his being able to get the legislation passed by the Board of Supervisors and said the supervisors would “have been remiss in not having done it when there’s a need for so much talent”
Eminent attorney Mohinder S.Mann called Singh “a mover and a shaker not only in the Indian community but in the state of California as well”
Businessman Ashok Kumar described Singh as a leader “who doesn’t believe in speaking too much but in silently doing things”.
Singh also received proclamations from the state senate and assembly.
Others who spoke on the occasion include state Senator Milton Sparks Supervisors Jim Gonzales Carole Migden Kevin Shelley and Angela Allioto
Article extracted from this publication >> July 26, 1991
