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We were very excited to recently welcome Ms. Melina Kennedy, a local
attorney and former Indianapolis Deputy Mayor under Mayor Bart Peterson,
now running for the office of Prosecutor of Marion County, to The Sikh
Temple on Acton Road in Indianapolis. Ms. Kennedy attended the worship
service and stayed for the traditional Langar (community meal).
Ms. Kennedy was accompanied by her friend and advisor Ms. Sarah Riordan.
Ms. Kennedy was welcomed by the Harpreet Sandhu, President
and Maninder Walia, the Trustee of The Sikhs Satsang of Indianapolis.
Giani Pritam Singh, the head Granthi (priest) of the Satsang
(congregation) presented Ms. Kennedy with a traditional Punjabi
shawl following her remarks to the congregation of several hundred
in attendance. KP Singh introduced the special guest and gave an
overview of the Sikh faith, tradition, and the universal spirit of
equality, justice, and basic dignity of all living beings and
sanctity of all faiths as enshrined in the Sikh sacred scriptures,
Guru Granth Sahib.
Ms. Kennedy's gracious and thoughtful remarks, displayed uncommon
cultural sensitivity and openness of spirit, friendliness and
willingness to interact with members of the Sikh congregation
greatly impressed the audience. She was very reassuring that all
communities and the changing and emerging fabric of diverse
cultures and faiths matter and represent a rich asset to the
Hoosier State. Ms. Kennedy added that for her public service
is about serving all people, contributing to their safety and
well-being, and creating and providing equal opportunities and
protection under the Indiana laws and the U.S. Constitution.
A Prosecutor as a law enforcement leader over 168 deputies is
responsible for the prosecution of all crimes in Marion County.
Ms. Melina Kennedy promised to wage an aggressive war against
crime and especially target the worst of the worst and keep them
off the streets of Indianapolis and Marion County and strengthen
and support community policing efforts. The Mid-term U.S.
election are traditionally set for the first Tuesday in November.
The visit of Ms. Kennedy and other distinguished leaders is
especially important in light of horrific events of 9/11 that have
caused special hardships to Sikh Americans, Middle Eastern Arabs,
and Muslims living in many American cities. We consider such visits
and contact as a vital component of community building and
discovering our own individual and collective potential as Sikhs
settle in their new environment.
The leadership of the Sikh Satsang has been working very hard to
build new briges to the larger community, closely work with other
faiths, schools, civic leaders, and interface our activities with
other organizations for the greater benefit of the Sikh Americans
and all Hoosiers. The focus of this effort is learning and education:
to know and understand community resources, civic responsibilities,
and our rights as Sikh Americans; dispel ignorance, stereotypes and
unfounded perceptions; address mistaken identity, harassment, and
job discrimination issues; and encourage Hoosier Sikhs to mainstream
our own energy, talents and investments. Sikh Americans are
beginning to understand that we need to be on the frontline of this
effort to be responsible and informed Americans and citizens of the
countries where we live. Sikh Americans are engaged in many imaginative
and innovative ways to assure their rightful place and are creating
opportunities to serve the lands and communities that are their new
"home" and enhancing the cause of peace and goodwill towards all
as an affirmation of their faith, tradition, spirit and culture.
Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
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