On October 6, 2012, SALDEF held its National Gala “Chardi Kala: The Sikh American Spirit” in Washington, D.C. Joined by over 500 guests, government officials, awardees and supporters from across the country, the sold-out event honored the memory of those who lost their lives in Oak Creek, highlighted the heroes born from the tragedy, and recognized those who have contributed to the Sikh American community’s progress and strengthened civil rights in the United States.
Click here to see the slideshow
In recognition of one of SALDEF’s major achievements in 2012, Police Chief Cathy Lanier of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was awarded the SALDEF Public Service Award for updating the MPD grooming standards to allow Sikh Americans to serve with their articles of faith. MPD is the first major police department in the country to take this step. SALDEF awarded CNN with a Media Excellence Award for their full and comprehensive coverage in the aftermath of the Oak Creek tragedy. CNN news anchor, Erin Burnett, sent a special video message in acceptance of the award.
Click here to watch Erin Burnett’s Award Acceptance
Additional awards included Valarie Kaur (Youth Leadership Award), Karen Narasaki (Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award), Dr. Amarjit S. Marwah (Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award), and Comcast (Corporate Achievement Award). The evening also included a special video release of SALDEF’s SikhLEAD Program introduced by SikhLEAD alumni Jaywin Singh Malhi and Priyanka Kaur Hooghan.
Click here to watch the SikhLEAD Program Video
If you weren’t able to join SALDEF at the National Gala, please join us today by making a tax-deductible donation. SALDEF thanks the event sponsors for their generous support, as well as the local volunteers, whose dedicated work ensured the success of this event.