SPOTLIGHTS
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
New Social Studies Standadards in Minnesota will include Sikhism
The state of Minnesota has approved new social studies standards, which will include Sikhi for the first time ever. This victory will give more than 800,000 students in Minnesota’s public schools the opportunity to learn about the Sikh community.
This is another significant milestone in the Sikh Society of Minnesota and Sikh Coalition’s multi-year campaign to raise awareness for generations to come by ensuring access to accurate information on Sikhi for every public school student across the nation.
2023 HIGHLIGHTS
SIKH AWARENESS MONTH Proclaimed in Minnesota by Governor
State of Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz proclaimed April 2023 as "Sikh Awareness Month" in Minnesota. The proclamation enumerates and honors achievements, services and contributions of Sikhs in America. The historic month of April was chosen for Sikh Awareness Month because one of the most important events in the Sikh faith is Vaisakhi which is celebrated in April. The month of April also signals the start of the Punjabi New Year. The Minnesota Sikh community sincerely thanks Governor Walz for the proclamation.
The proclamation was presented at the Gurdwara Sahib during Vaisakhi celebrations by Kendal Takeshita, Public Engagement Liaison for the Governor's office.
The proclamation can be found at - SIKH HERITAGE MONTH
The First-Ever Sikh Prayer for the Minnesota House of Representatives at the Capitol on April 4, 2023
Sikh Society of Minnesota was invited to offer a Sikh prayer as a chaplain for the Minnesota House of Representatives at the Capitol. This was the first-ever Sikh event at the Minnesota House Chambers in Minnesota history and a milestone for the Minnesota Sikh community. The House Speaker introduced the Sikh chaplain for the prayer in front of the House Members and staff. Our Bhai Sahib recited a shabad (devotional hymn) emphasizing that Sikhs throughout the world pray daily for Chardi Kala (boundless optimism) and Sarbat Da Bhalla (the well being of humanity). The Sikh Society of Minnesota is grateful to the House Members and the Chief Clerk's office for organizing this historic event recognizing the Sikh religion, tradition, and identity and to all participants for making it a day to remember.
Click here to watch House Floor Session 4/4/23
Hennepin County Fourth Judicial District Court and Sikh Society of Minnesota Listening Session on January 14, 2023
The Sikh Society of Minnesota hosted a listening session with Hennepin County Fourth Judicial District Judges and staff. More than ten judges and a few administrative staff visited the Sikh Society of Minnesota Gurdwara Sahib. The purpose of the listening session was to advance the 4th Judicial District's efforts to eliminate from Court operations any bias that is based on race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, age, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, national origin, sexual orientation. The purpose was centered around bi-directional engagement and engaging in DEI related conversations.
2022 HIGHLIGHTS
SIKH AWARENESS MONTH Proclaimed in Minnesota by Governor
State of Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz proclaimed April 2023 as "Sikh Awareness Month" in Minnesota. The proclamation enumerates and honors achievements, services and contributions of Sikhs in America. The historic month of April was chosen for Sikh Awareness Month because one of the most important events in the Sikh faith is Vaisakhi which is celebrated in April. The month of April also signals the start of the Punjabi New Year. The Minnesota Sikh community sincerely thanks Governor Walz for the proclamation.
The proclamation was presented at the Gurdwara Sahib during Vaisakhi celebrations by Kendal Takeshita, Public Engagement Liaison for the Governor's office.
The proclamation can be found at - SIKH HERITAGE MONTH