The Sikh Coalition celebrated the opening of its new Western Region Office in Fremont CA. With its offices in California and New York, the Coalition is now a permanent advocate for Sikh rights from coast to coast. In an open house on September 10, the group introduced its work and vision to members of the Sikh American and Bay Area communities.
The Sikh Coalition was formed after September 11 terrorist attacks in response to the discrimination against the Sikh community. It aims to strengthen the ties between them and other Americans. A large gathering of people including local politicians were present for the opening of Fremont office. Prabhjot Singh (Chairman) said that Fremont is the center of American Sikh community, so it is a natural choice to locate its second office here.
The Sikh Coalition seeks to safeguard the civil and human rights of all citizens as well as communicate the collective interests of Sikhs to civil society. The Coalition serves as a resource on Sikhs and Sikh concerns for governments, organizations and individuals.The organization's New York headquarters successfully sued to force the City Police Department to allow observant Sikhs to serve as police officers, and has lobbied to get a bias-based anti-bullying curriculum in city schools. These facts were elaborated by Singh.
The Fremont office has Neha Singh as Director of Western Region but it is yet to employ an attorney and community organizer. According to Neha Singh the office expects to handle discrimination law suits and will spare no effort to help integrate Sikhs with the mainstream community, through knowledge empowerment. State Senator Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro, gave the coalition a certificate of recognition.
Union City Mayor Mark Green, Fremont Council member Anu Natrajan and Hayward Council member also shared their views as speakers in the event. A good support indeed. As it has sufficient funds and active participation from its people at every level, the coalition seems to be on a firm ground with a very successful future opening more regional offices.
Reena Johar heads the Silicon Valley bureau for SCC News. She has worked for various Silicon Valley high-tech firms and is currently pursuing an MBA. She can be reached at
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