Sikh American leader, Jassee Singh, has lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his significant contributions to the Sikh community in the United States. Singh, who serves as the Chairman of ‘Sikhs of America’, an organization aimed at raising awareness about the community, branded Modi’s upcoming official state visit to the US as a “historic moment” for India.
Prime Minister Modi is set to embark on his first state visit to the US later this month, following an invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The state dinner hosted by the President and the First Lady in honor of Modi is slated for June 22.
Singh, who has attended all meetings between the Sikh delegations and the Prime Minister during his US visits since 2015, enthusiastically remarked on the importance of Modi’s arrival. He noted that the Sikh delegations have consistently submitted memorandums to Modi and found that their requests were largely fulfilled by the Prime Minister. Another Sikh delegation is planning to meet Modi to express their gratitude for his commitment to the Sikh community. Singh recalled their first meeting with Modi in 2014, and highlighted the Prime Minister’s understanding of Sikh issues and his heartfelt connection with the Sikh community. He further asserted that Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in addressing the concerns and fulfilling the demands of the Sikh community in the US have been unmatched by any other Indian Prime Minister in recent times. He enumerated the actions taken by Modi’s government to cater to the Sikh community, including the celebration of December 26 as Veer Baal Diwas, the commemoration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s 550th birth celebrations, the initiation of the SIT for the 1984 riots, the arrest of Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler, the repeal of the blacklist for overseas Sikhs, and the repeal of agricultural laws. Singh expressed the community’s gratitude towards Modi and affirmed their intention to continuously engage with the Prime Minister and his government to address the needs of the Sikh community. He also indicated that while they appreciate Modi’s efforts, they would prefer him to focus on the upcoming bilateral talks during his visit. Singh expressed hope that when Modi and President Biden meet, they will discuss issues that directly impact Indian Americans, particularly immigration and the H-1B visa policies. Singh pointed out the hurdles faced by those seeking permanent residency and visas, with files not progressing and long waiting periods for appointments respectively. The Sikh community in the US is eagerly awaiting Prime Minister Modi’s visit, with many hoping for a grand event like the “Howdy Modi” spectacle that took place in New York. The welcome event planned by President Biden is expected to draw a large crowd, leading Singh to compare it to a past visit by the Pope to the White House. The excitement surrounding Modi’s visit is palpable, he said.