Washington, DC. November 5, 2008: Sikh Americans join in the celebrations of the historic election of Barack Obama as the President-elect of the United States of America. Many Sikhs throughout the nation had become part of this movement to bring change in the country's leadership. Many second-generation Sikhs have enthusiastically supported Senator Barack Obama and he stimulated their forward-looking optimism. He had become an inspirational candidate for them. To many, Obama represented a leader who is able to go beyond race and bring people together for a common purpose.
Dr. Rajwant Singh, National President of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), said, "Obama's election represents dynamic America at ease with its diversity. This is a profound and incomparable moment in American history since it is happening 232 years after the declaration of Independence and 40 years after the Selma march for civil rights. It is a giant step towards fulfilling the vision of the founding concepts of this nation and leaders like Martin Luther King who struggled for equality for all in America. This election will have an immediate effect in changing the international standing of the US on the international scene. The world awaits the leadership of America amidst the crisis of financial meltdown, climate change, and religious extremism. Under his leadership, America must continue on the path of honoring religious pluralism".
He further stated, "We are ready to join in this journey with Barack Obama in building a brighter future for all Americans and this would require each one of us to have faith in this nation and commitment to sacrifice for the greater good of everyone."
He added, "We Sikhs are proud of this nation and this election brings new hope to 500,000 Sikhs who have been here for the last 100 years making this country strong. This will certainly inspire many Sikh Americans to aspire for the highest office in this country as well and will not deter them due to their outer appearance."
Satinder Singh Rekhi, CEO of R Systems Inc., in Sacramento, California, and the Chairman of SCORE's Board said, "This is a great cultural and historical shift in American politics, and we Sikhs look forward to working with President Obama".
Sartaj Singh Dhami, the Outreach Director of SCORE said, "Today we all have witnessed truly history in the making, as America has demonstrated that it continues to be a great nation that is willing to go through a continuous change to improve its beauty. As an American, I congratulate president-elect Obama for making history by being the first minority to hold the presidency of our great nation. As a Sikh, I look forward to working under his leadership so that fellow Americans can continue to learn of our great legacy in this nation."
K.P.Singh, the Sikh activist from Indianapolis, said, "Finally, the long campaign is over, the lofty promises await to be fulfilled. The American people have spoken and they have given their verdict about their choice of the next President of the United States. As Sikh Americans, we extend our good wishes to the next leader of the free world."
Dr. Darshan Singh Sehbi from Dayton, OH, said, "On behalf of the Sikh Community of Dayton I offer my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama for his historic victory. He has energized the American people and instilled in us a sense of optimism and unity. He is a beacon of hope for people all over the world. I am proud to have been a part of history in the making. I am confident that he will be successful in bringing about the positive changes that he has promised."
Valarie Kaur, a young filmmaker and who also formed the group "Sikhs for Obama", said "We have entered a new era of endless possibility and renewed hope in the American Dream," says Valarie Kaur. "The election of Barack Obama unleashes the energy of an entire generation of Americans, including Sikh Americans, to break barriers, tear down walls, and change the world around us." She made the movie Divided We Fall.
We congratulate Pres elect Obama on his historic election. America's strength is in its commitment to religious and personal freedom and opportunity, and we know as President, he will ensure that those freedoms are protected for all Americans, and defended around the world. Daya Singh Khalsa, Director of Public Affairs, Sikh Dharma of New Mexico.
Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang of the Punjabi American Heritage Society from Yuba City, said, "This is a historic day for all Americans. A son of an immigrant has become our President-elect and this can only happen in a great country like America."
Mohinder Singh Taneja, NY Director of SCORE and officer at the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs, said, "This election has shattered countless ceilings for Americans of all backgrounds. People can no longer be held back due to their outer appearance. Diversity is the strength of this nation."
"I congratulate President-Elect Barack Obama on his historic victory and wish him all the success as he undertakes the office of the President of the USA. I am sure that he will be a good friend of the Sikhs and shall take a keen interest in minority issues and religious freedom. As a Sikh and as an Ambassador of Sikh Dharma, I look forward to working with President-Elect Obama and his administration. He truly has made all of us proud to be Americans and has brought respect to this great country of the United States of America." said, Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Khalsa from Los Angeles.
Amrit Kaur, Secretary of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation and also President of Inter Faith Conference of Washington, DC, said, "I join millions all across the world in congratulating President-elect Obama. I would also like to congratulate all those who made this verdict possible by transcending the barriers of race and upholding the ideals of Democracy. His historic victory has echoed the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln:" Democracy is the Government by the people, of the people, and for the people. "Recently a Muslim was sworn in as a Congressman, and an Indian immigrant became a Governor but this is an ultimate moment when we can rejoice and say,’ Proud to be an American'. The dream of Rev. Martin Luther King has been realized at last. This is a watershed moment for America."
Dr. Rajwant Singh also saluted the contributions of Republican candidate John McCain and said, "John McCain is one of the political leaders for whom we have the deepest respect. Mr. McCain has spent his life in the service of a country he deeply loves, and we hope that service will continue. The future of America would require his leadership on many critical issues like financial solvency, immigration, and climate change."