Sikhs in Storytelling
Join SALDEF for Sikhs in Storytelling – a night full of engaging discussions, thoughtful panels, and captivating performances all challenging the one-dimensional Sikh American narratives in the mainstream media.
Sikhs in Storytelling: Redefining the Sikh American Narrative Through Storytelling
SALDEF Submits Letter to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing on Transnational Repression
Along with other leading civil rights organizations, SALDEF submitted a statement urging the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to engage the Biden Administration on meaningfully confronting the Indian Government on the issue of transnational repression.
SEVA Documentary Premiers on WORLD
Get ready to be inspired! We are writing to share the exciting news about the premiere of the documentary film, “SEVA,” on WORLD. This powerful film captures the Sikh community’s remarkable response to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the essence of seva (selfless service) during an unprecedented time of crisis.
Witnessing the dedication and generosity of the Sikh community during one of humanity’s most challenging periods is truly inspiring. We see how they opened their doors and hearts to those in need, providing essential services and embodying the true spirit of seva.
“SEVA” is more than just a documentary; it’s a testament to the transformative power of the SikhLEAD internship program. Through the SikhLEAD program, SALDEF empowers young Sikh leaders to make a positive impact on their communities. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, SikhLEAD equips interns with the skills and knowledge to address pressing issues and create lasting change.
The creation of “SEVA” is a shining example of the program’s impact. In collaboration with Nishkam TV, the 2021 SikhLEAD class took the initiative to document the inspiring stories of countless Sikh volunteers who dedicated themselves to serving others during the pandemic.
Under the insightful guidance of Emmy Award Winner Harbaldeep Singh, these young minds researched, wrote, and directed this moving film, leaving an indelible mark on the world. The team – Raunaq Singh Mokha, Siddakk Singh, Aekem Singh, Jaskeerat Singh, Mansa Kaur, Kiren Bagga, Arman Dhillon, Gurshaan Sidhu, Mehtab Singh, Muntara Singh, Savleen Singh, Simar Kaur Soni, Ujjal Bathla, and Vineet Dhillon – is proof of what young, passionate minds can achieve.
We encourage you to watch “SEVA” on World Channel today and witness firsthand the transformative power of selfless service. You can also learn more about the SikhLEAD program and support its mission by visiting our website www.saldef.org/sikhlead
How you can show your support:
- Spread the word! Share the news on Instagram, Linkedin, and X (Twitter).
- Tune in to the premiere on WORLD.
- Organize a watch party with your community to experience the film together.
- Share your thoughts and reactions on social media using the hashtag #SEVAonWORLD.
Join us in this celebration of youth, creativity, and the power of storytelling. Let’s come together to celebrate the power of SEVA and inspire others to embrace the spirit of selfless service.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2023
Contact: Amrita Kaur, Director of Communications media@saldef.org | (202) 332-6700
SALDEF Expresses Grave Concern over Indictment Alleging Indian Government Employee Directed Plot to Assassinate Sikh American
Washington, D.C. – Today, SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund), a leading advocacy group for the rights of Sikh Americans expressed grave concern over reports that an Indian government employee directed a plot from India to assassinate a Sikh American individual.
“We are deeply disturbed by these reports and the potential threat they pose to the safety of our community. Since 2020, SALDEF has been tracking instances of censorship of diasporic Sikh voices and today’s indictment is not an isolated incident but a part of a broader pattern of silencing Sikh voices,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “If these allegations are true, it would represent a serious violation of international law and be a blatant example of transnational repression.”
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire for his alleged role in the plot to kill the Sikh American individual. Gupta is accused of working with an Indian government employee to recruit and pay an assassin to carry out the killing.
On November 22, 2023, following reports of this alleged incident, SALDEF called on the DOJ to increase transparency into the investigation and unseal the indictments in this case. We demand unequivocal cooperation from the Indian government in the DOJ’s investigation and urge the U.S. government to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be responsible.
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About SALDEF
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is a leading national Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization based in Washington D.C. SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more, SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations. Learn more at www.saldef.org
For Immediate Release
November 22, 2023
SALDEF Urges DOJ to Unseal Indictment on the Recent Attempted Attack on a Sikh American
Washington, D.C. – There have been recent reports of U.S. authorities disclosing an alleged attempted attack by the Indian Government on a Sikh American on American soil. If true, the alleged involvement of the Indian Government in threatening the safety of the Sikh diaspora would fall into a recurring pattern of transnational repression, including allegations of threats against Sikhs in the United States documented by the FBI earlier this year.
As a leading Sikh American advocacy organization, we strongly believe in upholding American values including freedom of speech and the civil rights and liberties of all Sikh Americans. In America, peaceful freedom of speech and the right to live a life of dignity are pillars of our democracy. The plan to attack a Sikh American on American soil would be yet another example of the Indian Government’s encroachment on the rights of the Sikh Diaspora. SALDEF continues to follow up with the FBI, White House, DHS, Congress, and DOJ as we closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety of all Sikh Americans is prioritized.
“We are encouraged that the United States government is escalating this diplomatically. Sikh Americans demand full transparency regarding the safety of our community,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director. “We urge the Department of Justice to unseal the indictment of the alleged perpetrators related to this most recent incident.”
SALDEF calls on the Department of Justice and the United States government to:
- Unseal the indictment of the alleged perpetrators. The Sikh American community deserves full transparency regarding the safety of our lives.
- Urge the Indian government to cease its alleged persecution of Sikhs and minorities in America.
- Work with the Canadian government to hold the perpetrators of Nijjar’s murder accountable.
- Reassure the Sikh American and other Indian minority communities that their civil rights of peaceful free speech and safety will be protected.
SALDEF is available for comment at kiran@saldef.org