2019 SALDEF National Gala: Commitment, Hope, Renewal

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) held the annual National Gala on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the Sheraton in Tysons VA. The gala was attended by over 350 guests from across the nation. The theme was Commitment, Hope and Renewal and these words were echoed throughout the night through speeches by awardees, staff and board members.

The night was opened by new Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill who said, “Imagine a world where Sikhs are seen as changemakers and inspirational figures. Where Sikhs are recognized for their disproportionate contributions to American society. Where a man in a turban or woman with long hair represents trusted leadership and resource for those in need. Where when the average American thinks about a Sikh, they think of their Sheriff, an Academy Award Winner, NBA player, Governor, Congressman, Senator or even President.”

The night celebrated achievements by officials such as Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, Mayor of Hoboken Ravinder S. Bhalla and his wife Navneet K. Bhalla. SALDEF also introduced the Volunteer Award which was given to Rajvir S. Goomer who has been volunteering for  SALDEF for over six years.

Awardees
2019 Public Service Award – New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal
“More work needs to be done to preserve the American Dream and our Sikhi.” – AG Gurbir S. Grewal

 2019 Sikh Image Award – Mayor Ravinder Singh Bhalla and MONAVI Executive Director Navneet Kaur Bhalla“It is absolutely imperative that men in our community speak against gender inequality.”- Navneet Kaur Bhalla  

2019 Volunteer Award – Rajvir Singh Goomer“Grassroots civic engagement in our local communities is crucial to effectuating change. By joining your local municipal committees, or local democratic or republican parties you gain a voice for our community and allow our local leadership and police to gain experiences interacting with Sikhs.” – Rajvir Singh Goomer 

One of the highlights of the night was the speech given by Kirandeep Kaur from Jackson, Mississippi. The 21-year-old moved to Mississippi five years ago and during that time there have been roughly three murders of Sikh Americans that were not investigated by local law enforcement. SALDEF Community Relations Manager Satnam Singh went to Mississippi to host a Know your Rights forum knowing that these murders had occurred. He connected the local Sangat to resources in Mississippi and soon after the Sangat received answers. The heartwarming speech highlighted the importance of community and connectedness throughout the nation.

The night began with Punjabi music and songs performed by world-renowned artist Ishmeet Narula. Besides these esteemed speakers, the gala was attended by a number of local and national Sikh American community leaders, Sikh Gurdwara representatives, distinguished Sikhs and leaders from partner organizations.