Sikh Representative Joins President Obama In Prayer At National Service

January 23, 2009

Author: Staff Writer

Source: SikhNet

http://www.sikhnet.com/news/sikh-representative-joins-president-obama-prayer-national-service

Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education attended the national prayer service inaugurating President Barack Obama. Obama, embracing a tradition that dates to George Washington, the first U.S. president, took part in a multiracial, multireligious worship prayer service on Wednesday at the Washington National Cathedral. The new president and first lady sat in the front pew of the church, alongside Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill. Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton, who won Senate confirmation later yesterday to become Obama's secretary of state, also sat in the first row. Obama greeted the Sikh Representative Dr. Rajwant Singh by saying 'good morning' while entering the Cathedral.

Dr. Rajwant Singh thanked the Presidential Transition team for the invitation and he exchanged notes with the officials about the inclusion of Sikhs and issues facing the community in future deliberations by the Obama Administration. Dr. Singh, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Balvinder Kaur, were seated in the front with other religious leaders from all over the U.S. Uma Mysorekar of the Hindu Temple Society of North America, based in Queens, New York, read a prayer for the new administration during the prayer ceremony.

Dr. Rajwant Singh said, "America is witnessing a momentous time and manumental challenges. President Obama needs all the prayers from all of us. May God give him the wisdom to lead us during this difficult road ahead."