Hoosier Sikh community once again came together to extend their support to the ongoing farmers protest in India. This peaceful protest took place at the Military park on Saturday, March 6th, 2021.
The first protest was held in December of 2020 at the Monument Circle followed by a car rally on the busy highway 465 earlier this year. Many Hoosiers families trace their roots to the farming families in Punjab, and some were farmers themselves before they immigrated to US.
Participants gathered in large numbers expressing their concern about the state of democracy in India. Several state leaders and celebrities across the US have already expressed their solidarity and concern for this protest. Effort was made to contact Congressman Andre Carson’s office and we are grateful to receive a letter of support and solidarity from his office.
Please find enclosed the copy of the letter from Honorable US Congressman Andre Carson and a letter of thanks to his office put together by Hoosier leader K P Singh.
Honorable U.S. Congressman Andre Carson
2135 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-1407Dear Congressman Carson:
Sut Siri Akal (a traditional Sikh greeting; translation: Lord's Name is Eternal Truth). Thank you very much for your very thoughtful letter of solidarity and support for the Farmer's Protest currently taking place in India. You have rightly stated that, the "Farmers across the country have been protesting laws that threaten personal livelihoods, jeopardize food security, and would further perpetuate inequality in India. Farmers are the backbone of global food supply and account for a large share of the economy. I am concerned that under the policies, Indian farmers will have fewer protections and will likely government-regulated markets and prices that they have relied on for years."
We agree, and see wisdom, justice and fairness in your call that India and the USA "As the world's oldest and the largest democracies, our two countries are looked upon to set the high standards for upholding democratic rights."
As sons and daughters of the soil, culture, and spirit of India and now proud Hoosier-Americans, we know and celebrate that the Indian farmers are the breadbasket of India and contributors to India's peace, stability, and prosperity as now achieved food-sufficient Nation. The hardy Punjabi farmers are and have been for centuries, the gatekeepers of India's security and have sent their sons and daughters for the defense of the country. These farmer families serve the Nation with their honest sweat, blood and sacrifices, and tears of sorrow and joys of triumphs of their and our Motherland.
Resolving the legitimate concerns of the Indian Farmer's Satyagraha (righteous protest) with magnanimity, goodwill, and farsightedness is a just, righteous, and urgent spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian matter. A peaceful resolution will be a humanitarian victory for the people of India and seizing an honorable democratic victory for the Indian Nation and a proud act of international statesmanship.
Honorable friend, we may be calling upon you as the events unfold and as we need your further assistance. We thank you for your leadership in the U.S. Congress and for your concern for all Hoosiers and their interests in Indiana and native lands.
With our kind regards and deep gratitude for your friendship,
KP Singh on behalf of The Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis, and its leaders:
Maninder Singh Walia – Chairman, Board of Trustees,
Gurpreet Singh- President, Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis
Gaganpal Singh Dhaliwal-Promising Hoosier Leader
Gurdwara Sikh Satsang
10950 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46259
