Gov. Daniels Visits Sikh Temple for Milestone Celebration

October 20, 2008

Author: Francesca Jarosz

Source: SALDEF/The Indianpolis Star

http://www.saldef.org/content.aspx?&a=3641&z=4&title=

About 250 members of Indianapolis' Sikh community gathered Sunday at their temple, the Gurdwara of Indianapolis, where they welcomed Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Daniels' visit to the temple, 10950 Southeastern Avenue, was to observe the Sikhs' celebration of 300 years of the ordination of the Sikh holy Xures. The event marks a milestone in the Sikh religion, which advocates peace and equality, among other principles.

Local architectural artist KP Singh said this is the first time an Indiana governor has visited a Sikh temple in the 41 years Singh has lived in Indianapolis. When he moved here in 1967, Singh said, he knew of no other Sikhs in the city.

For some members of the region's growing Sikh community, Daniels' visit signified acceptance that has at times been elusive since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.