Sikhs in US Celebrate 5th Annual Gala

October 4, 2008

Author: Lalit K Jha

Source: NDTV

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080067683

America's Sikh community held its fifth annual gala at a glittering ceremony at Wall Street in New York on Friday night.

The ceremony, attended by who's who of the Indian-Americans -- in particularly those from the Sikh community -- also presented the annual Sikh Heritage Award to those individuals who have contributed towards elevating the Sikh Experience.

The awardees were Stuart Rabinwitz, president of Hofstra University; Ajay Banga, CEO of Citi Asia Pacific and Susan Stronge, senior curator of Asian Department of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Delivering his key note address, the Arunachal Pradesh Governor and the former Army Chief General (Retd) J J Singh eulogised the Indian American community for projecting the image of India in this country and strengthening Indo-US relationship.

"I am proud of you. India is proud of you," the General said referring to the contributions made by the community in not only the economy and development of the US, but also their contribution in improving the relationship between the two countries.

Praising the Punjabi community for its valor and hard work, the former Army General said the community always helps the oppressed and the weak. "This is in our blood. Every Punjabi is contribution a great deal in India's forward march," he said.

See also: Sikhism