14 California congressmen write to Gov. Brown.
By Global India Newswire
WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Ami Bera, D-Calif., has called for the induction of Indian American member of Congress Dalip Singh Saund into California Hall of Fame. Speaking in Congress Thursday, the California congressman noted that Saund “was a trailblazer for human and civil rights,” and said, “Now it’s time that Congressman Dileep Singh Saund’s contributions are recognized in his home state by enshrining him in California’s Hall of Fame.”
“His portrait now hangs right outside this chamber as a reminder to us all of the values he stood for, values of equality and opportunity,” Bera said.
Earlier, the Indian American congressman and 13 of his colleagues from the state’s congressional delegation had written a letter to Gov. Jerry Brown urging to induct Saund into California Hall of Fame.
“Congressman Saund’s outstanding achievements and public service is an inspiration to generations of Asian Americans and Californians,” letter said. “Congressman Saund was a trailblazer for human and civil rights and for the Asian-American community. Today, as we continue to work towards comprehensive immigration reform, the contributions that California Congressman Dalip Singh Saund made should be recognized by enshrining him in the California Hall of Fame.”
Other signatories include Reps. Mike Honda, Mark Takano, Judy Chu, Anna Eshoo, David Valadao and Juan Vargas.
Saund, who was first elected to Congress in 1956 and served three terms, was “the first member of a non-Abrahamic faith to be elected to the House,” the letter noted.
The late Congressman came to the United States to study in 1920. After doing a PhD in mathematics from University of California, Berkley, he chose to become a lettuce farmer in California.
Established in 2006, California Hall of Fame honors legendary Californians who embody the state’s innovative spirit and have made their mark on history. Inductees include President Ronald Reagan, Apple founder Steve Jobs, Hollywood start Elizabeth Taylor.