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Mission Khalsa
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It's just what the Guru ordered-to protect others life and
property from the perpetrators of violence. And fulfilling the
Khalsa's mandate are none other than two American turned Sikhs, Daya
Singh Khalsa and Gurutej Singh Khalsa, founders of Akal Security ,Inc,
a non-profit organisation.
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The Sikh run organisation, is the fourth largest contract security
agency of the world providing security to vital US military
installations across eight states, to federal court houses with
contracts for 400 houses worth 854 Million US $ in forty-four states
including the federal court house in Manhattan and to Department of
Homeland Security besides providing a secure environment to private
corporate, airports and water supply department. On behalf of Federal
Protective Service it provides security to 150 federal buildings and
offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
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Akal meaning 'timeless' in Sikh scriptures, has business orders worth
over US $1billion and employs approximately 15, 00 people. Based in
New Mexico State in the US, the company has its headquarters in the
small village of Santa Cruz, just south of Espaņola.
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Followers of the 'Sikh Dharma' founded by the late Harbhajan Singh
Yogi, Daniel Cohn and his partner converted their names to Daya Singh
Khalsa and Gurutej Singh Khalsa respectively.
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"When we founded Akal Security, Inc in 1980, Siri Singh Sahib Yogiji
was our main inspiration and he gave us very valuable advice. It was
his suggestion that our uniform be khaki. We added the blue highlights
in recognition of Guru Gobind Singh though the word Akal is inspired
from Guru Hargobind, the Sixth guru", said Gurutej Singh co-founder.
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Speaking to TNN from US, Gurutej Singh, Co Founder said that while
forming the company they wanted to pick a name that was reflective of
Sikh heritage. "The name 'Akal' we felt, would protect our personnel
in the field and we are happy to report that in 25 years we have never
lost an officer in the line of duty".
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"Our Sikh demeanour stands out wherever we go", says Daya Singh Khalsa
Vice President and the Co-founder who always supports a white turban.
"Nobody forgets us after we've made our presentations, while the other
guy might be forgotten immediately, he adds. It is not to suggest that
we are at an advantage or disadvantage as the work we get is because
of our professionalism in the field, he quips.
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While majority of our personnel in the field are non Sikh, the
awareness of Akal as a Sikh-owned company and the value of Sikhs in
the role of protecting our Homeland, especially post 9/11, has been
amplified manifold, says Gurutej Singh.
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With the Akal flag fluttering high in the US, Mission Khalsa is truly
on a roll.
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