The 51st Governor of Indiana Eric Holcomb was officially sworn into office at a fanfare ceremony in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. on Monday. In attendance at the event was close personal friend and SikhsPAC Chairman Gurinder Singh Khalsa.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb meets with Indiana Sikhs
The event was also attended by Vice President Elect Mike Pence and Indian Ambassador to the United State Navtej Sarna.
Throughout the election season, SikhsPAC provided financial support to Holcomb and all other winning executive level candidates in the Indiana election. This includes newly elected Superintendent of Education Jennifer McCormick and Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill.
“I am overjoyed at the success these candidates have received,”said Khalsa. “It is gratifying to know that we were there all along aiding the people who will form Indiana’s future.”
But, financial support is not the only help offered by SikhsPAC. Hill discovered another important asset in the form of former SikhsPAC Outreach Coordinator and Indiana Sikh and lawyer Parvinder Nijjar.
The 26-year-old attorney was recently appointed by Hill to serve in the state’s civil litigation division. Sources within the agency say Nijjar may soon transfer into a special unit tasked with investigating and prosecuting cases of human trafficking in Indiana.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity,” said Nijjar.
SikhsPAC’s work with McCormick ensured that vital gains in the area of Sikh awareness implemented under Democratic predecessor Glenda Ritz will continue into the new administration.
These include successful efforts to integrate resources on Sikh history and culture in the 7th grade and high school World History curriculum and future plans to include Sikhism as a part of the required standards for several courses.
Indiana Superintendent of Education meets with a group of Sikhs at a dinner in honor of
Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna.
Holcomb has repeatedly voiced his commitment to strong economic relations with India. This commitment was affirmed by a visit from Indian Ambassador Sarna, who made special arrangements to attend Holcomb’s inauguration.
Governor Holcomb has publicly promised to be the first newly elected governor to visit India.
SikhsPAC co-hosted the ambassador’s stay in the state of Indiana along with the India Indiana Business Council.
Though, as home state to Vice President of the United States Mike Pence, many important Indian and Sikh figures are sure to turn their eyes towards the Hoosier state.
“We are prepared to move into the future and work with any politician willing to represent both Sikh and Hoosier values,” said Khalsa.
SikhsPAC plans to expand its efforts to the federal level beginning with the next Congressional election cycle.
Ben Skirvin
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