Standing L-R: Mrs. Kaur, the First Lady, Prime Minister Singh and President Bush. Photo by Dino Teppara (c) 2005
It was a glorious three days at the White House for the Sikhs of America. Under the, blessed God given blue sky and the White House lawn canopy, Monday July 18th, our India Prime Minister, the Honorable Doctor Manmohan Singh represented India in a most respectful and dignified manner. The former Economics’ Professor and Minister of Finance, who has become Prime Minister of India was greeted by US President Bush, Vice President Cheyney, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Rice.
Bhai Sahiba Dr. Bibiji Inderjit Kaur with Congressman Joe Wilson and other Sikh leaders. Photo by Aakash Patel (c) 2005
We stood in line on the White House lawn to greet the Prime Minister. Representing our American Sikh community was Dr. Bibiji Inderjit Kaur, Bhai Sahiba of Sikh Dharma International and wife of the late Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji. Alongside her was Mukta Kaur Khalsa, Sikh Dharma's Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
“It is a cause for pride among the Sikh nation to see the Prime Minister with President Bush,” said Inderjit Kaur. “This meeting is good for the prosperity of India, and good for US-Indo relations. We were so happy to see the respect given to the Prime Minister by President Bush.
President Bush and Prime Minister Singh at the podium walking towards Podium. Photo by Dino Teppara (c) 2005
“During his speech, the Prime Minister gave so much credit to the Indian-Americans working in the US – laying the ground-work for positive relations between these two countries. In his speech, he said that the Indian-Americans are assets to the USA. We are proud also that he gave credit to them.”
“This is truly a momentous occasion to witness a Sikh with turban in full form as Head of the Largest Democracy in the World,” Mukta Kaur agreed. “He represents the country of India with distinction, caliber and humility. Though his words were soft-spoken, the impact of his sentiments showed great thoughtfulness, revealing his depth of knowledge and intelligence.”
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister addressed the joint session of the United States Congress. Leading our two nations into a new era of cooperation with a new network between East and West, he spoke of, “Globalization as a method for cooperating in the ‘War on Terrorism.’” PM Manmohan Singh's focus was to bring peace and prosperity to the world through trade and thus end the terror movement carrying this legacy of peace to our future generations.
President Bush and Prime Minister Singh leaving the podium, the First Lady and Mrs. Kaur are on the left. Photo by Dino Teppara (c) 2005
Guru Amrit Singh Khalsa, a Sikh Minister from Virginia, and the National Affairs Advisor to Sikh Dharma International, as well as owner of a Mortgage Processing Center in Bangalore India, has been a pioneer in “offshoring,” creating businesses connecting India and the United States.
“The PM Manmohan Singh understands very well the importance of globalization and its impact on the world,” said Guru Amrit Singh. “India especially has a need for close ties with the West both socially and diplomatically.”
Prime Minister Singh with Congressman Joe Wilson, past co-chair of the India Caucus. Photo by Mohammed Jaffer (c) 2005
On that note, the unspoken spiritual benefits that India represents were highlighted by Amar Atma Singh, a Kundalini Yoga Teacher from Washington D.C.. Amar Atma Singh said, “India Prime Minister Singh's visit was important not just for the political ramifications, but also for the spiritual implications. Politically it represents new cooperation among democracies to expand trade and fight terror. Both are important. But what moved me were all the turbans. South Asia represents a haven for the spirit.”
Ranbir Singh Bhai and Kamaljit Kaur , two of the three children of the late Yogi Bhajan also attended the events in Washington as well as S. Gurujot Kaur Khalsa of Herndon Virginia.
Ranbir Singh and Kamaljit Kaur agreed that it was a proud moments for Sikh around the world.
“When he spoke to Congress, it was the most uplifting moment to see a Sikh standing there in full turban and beard, receiving a standing ovation,” Kamaljit Kaur said. “To see the acceptance of the USA, Congress – and the ovation – every two minutes they were clapping. We were so proud of him – what a learned Sikh he was. It was a memorable moment.”
Respectfully submitted by Sardarni Sahiba Sat Kirin Kaur Khalsa - Executive Secretary SD International- New York , main representative of 3HO NGO to the United Nations.
Images: PM addresses US Congress
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