Attendees included Rep. Paul Ryan.
WASHINGTON, DC: Nearly 300 people, including 20 members of Congress, attended the annual Langar hosted by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)’s SikhLEAD Internship class and the office of Rep. Mike Honda, D-CA, on Capitol Hill on July 28.
Langar is a 500-year old Sikh tradition that aims to eradicate segregation and classicism and promote food justice.
Among the members of Congress who attended the event include chairman of the House Budget Committee Paul Ryan, R-WI; Indian American Ami Bera, D-CA; Vice-Chair of the Democratic Caucus Joe Crowley, D-NY; and Representatives Jerry McNerne, D-CA and Grace Meng, D-NY.
Speaking on the occasion, SALDEF Director Jeet Singh explained the importance of Langar in the context of the Sikh American experience.
“I am honored to once again host this event that celebrates the contributions of Sikh Americans by breaking bread with members of the Sikh Community, Congressional members, and staff,” Honda said in a statement issued before ahead of the Langar. “Sikh Americans have a long history of innovative community engagement and leadership, from the Honorable Dalip Singh Saund who was one of our great pioneers in Congress, to the advocates at SALDEF who work to build dialogue, deepen our understanding, and uphold social justice for all Americans. Having the occasion to share a meal as equals is a strong reminder about the values of equality and universal friendship.”
Pointing out that even though Sikh Americans have a 125-year history in the United States, there are still a lot misperceptions about the community, Jaspreet Kaur, a member of the SikhLEAD Class of 2015, said in a statement, “Langar on the Hill is a significant opportunity for us to introduce our American history and Sikh values, including equality for all. Moreover, it is a unique opportunity for this rising generation to express to our nation’s leaders how we intend to deepen our civic participation.”
The SikhLEAD Internship Program, in partnership with various congressional and federal offices, provide opportunities to Sikh American students to initiate future careers of public service and community leadership.
SALDEF, a Sikh American media and educational organization, works toward empowering Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic and political participation.