SALDEF is a national Sikh American media, policy, and education organization. Founded in 1996. Founded 1996. www.saldef.org
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SALDEF is a national Sikh American policy, leadership development, and education organization.
"We are deeply disappointed by Governor Newsom’s veto of SB403, which would have banned caste discrimination in California.
This is a missed opportunity to protect millions of Californians from a form of discrimination that is deeply rooted in our society.
However, this will not stop us from continue to fight for a more just and equal society…."
- Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director
The California Caste Bill is a landmark piece of legislation that has the potential to protect millions of people from discrimination.
We're grateful to for covering this important story and for including our voice in the conversation.
The fight against hate is not just about developing policies and programs, but also about listening to the voices of those who have been directly affected by it.
Last week, SALDEF Policy Consultant, Navdeep Singh attended the Eradicate Hate Summit to discuss and develop new solutions to prevent hate-motivated violence.
"I was inspired by the courage and resilience of the survivors and victims' families such as Pardeep Kaleka who spoke at the summit," Singh said. "Their stories are a powerful reminder that we must never give up on fighting hate."
Urge Congress to speak out on the Murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
In a true democracy, freedom of speech including dissent should be celebrated, not suppressed.
Join us in defending democracy by writing a letter to your member of Congress using our pre-drafted script and urge them to speak up!
Use the link in our bio or visit tinuyrl.com/urgecongressnijjar to send a letter now.
The Modi regime has a long history of cracking down on dissent and silencing its critics.
As SALDEF continues to monitor and report on the Modi regime’s weaponization of social media and the broader internet, our extensive research has only gained increasing relevance and exposed the regime's tactics to hold them accountable.
Less than two years after the Farmers’ Protest ended, the Amritpal Singh manhunt began and now we learn of Indian government’s alleged involvement in the murder of Harry Singh Nijjar.
While the cases were different, the systemic discrimination and disinformation campaigns against the Sikh Panth (community) are tragically similar.
To learn more, view a free copy of the “dissent across democracies” report on our website or linked in our IG stories!
We thank these US representatives for considering our concerns around the murder of Mr. Nijjar and how it impacts the ability of the Sikh American community to freely exercise their rights free from fear and intimidation.
As SALDEF engages with state representatives, the Biden administration, Meta, the press, Members of Congress, and more, we continue to advocate for justice at the frontlines of our democracy.
Don’t see your representative here? Contact your congressperson today and urge them to speak up and hold the Indian government accountable against its’ human rights abuses.
SALDEF Demands Action from President Biden on Allegations of Indian Government Involvement in Sikh Murder in Canada
In a letter to SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill called on the President to condemn the Indian government's actions and to demand a full and transparent investigation.
Since day one of hearing these reports, SALDEF staff has been working tirelessly to raise awareness of this issue with government agencies such as the FBI, DHS and monitoring media outlets for accurate reporting.
The murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar is yet another example of the Indian state’s encroachment on the Sikh diaspora’s .
We believe that humans have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and we will continue to advocate for Sikh rights.
Balbir Singh was a beloved father, husband, and brother.
But all those identities were overshadowed on the day he was shot due to the fact that he was Sikh and wearing a turban.
His death on September 15, 2001 was a senseless act of violence, but his legacy continues to be one of hope and resilience.
To learn more about the life and legacy of Balbir Singh Sodhi, please visit our website.
💭”While Sikhism has been at the forefront of challenging caste hierarchies, it is disheartening to see individuals perpetuate these inequities even today..."
💙 Thank you for featuring our voice on this urgent issue
Football season is off to a strong start!
The have chosen "Carpe Omnia" as their theme for the 2023 season.
This Latin phrase means "Seize Everything," and it is inspired by the life of Sikh Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who carried two swords, one representing war and one representing spirituality.
We're excited to see how the Cowboys embody this theme throughout the season. Let's !
🗳️ The right to vote is at the cornerstone of American democracy, and we want to ensure that the Sikh American voice is heard in the upcoming election season.
👉 Swipe right to see how you can become engaged in this election cycle as a SikhVOTE Ambassador.
🤝 The more volunteers we get the greater the chances are the Sikh American voice is heard in the upcoming 2024 Election. Sign up now using the link in our bio!
to this past weekend, as SALDEF led the Sikh community’s participation in the to fight for democracy, social justice and civil rights.
“I was deeply honored to represent SALDEF and our values as a speaker at the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF.
With so many hard-won civil rights on the line, we came together under the large umbrella of diversity and inclusion as we marched to protect our collective freedom and fight for Dr. King's dream.
💭 “The Assembly Vote is a win for the ages. After conducting over 700 advocacy meetings across the entire state of California the people have spoken resoundingly for caste equity protections.” - Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Executive Director of
🔋 Our comes from seeing the hard work and long time advocacy of the Californians for Caste Equity pay off with SB403’s successful assembly vote.
➡️ Including civil rights organizations such as SALDEF, and , Californians for Caste Equity is a coalition of state legislators and community advocates who joined forces today to celebrate the passage of .
✨A huge shoutout to our California sangat (community members) for making this bill a reality in our fight towards equality.
✨Starting off the week with some great news — SB403 aka the anti-caste discrimination bill just passed its final procedural step, with the California Senate casting a successful final concurrence vote.
💛 SB403 is a crucial piece of legislation that will protect vulnerable communities from discrimination and foster a more equitable California.
✊ We are proud to stand at the frontlines alongside our coalition partners in advocating for the passage of this historic bill.
✍️ Now, the coalition calls on Governor Newsom to swiftly sign the bill. For the full statement, please click the link in our bio.
Ten years ago, we stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to demand change and promote Sikh values of equality and justice.
This weekend, we will be back to speak up against hate and oppression at — a multigenerational moment to reclaim our rights and protect the progress we've made.
Join us on August 26 as we march against hate and carry Dr. King’s legacy forward.
🔗 www.mow60.com
✨We are proud to announce that SALDEF will lead the Sikh community’s participation in the to demonstrate a strong show of support for our partners in the fight for democracy, social justice and civil rights.
💭“I am deeply honored to represent SALDEF and our values as a speaker at the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF.
✊With so many hard-won civil rights on the line, join us in D.C. under the large umbrella of diversity and inclusion as we march to protect our collective freedom and fight for Dr. King's dream.
🔗: https://www.mow2023.com
Langar on the Hill is a significant opportunity for us to introduce our American history and Sikh values, including equality for all.
“This is such a critical event that helps to bring awareness to Sikhism and our core values while also helping us to redefine the Sikh identity in America” expressed SALDEF Board Vice Chair, Amman Seehra.
Initiatives like would not be possible without your support. To help us continue such programming, please visit www.tinyurl.com/supportsikhlead
💛 Today is , and we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to our worldwide community of supporters since 1996.
✨ Your commitment to promoting our mission of empowering Sikh Americans has helped enhance the community’s profile, protected the rights of hundreds of Sikh Americans and educated countless non-Sikhs about our faith.
🙏 Thank you for your support this year, and every year.
A selfie is definitely in order after hosting this morning’s session on unaccompanied minors in America.
SALDEF Executive Director, Kiran Kaur Gill had the privilege of sharing our organizing work and how other faith based organizations can join us in supporting these minors.
Overall we were honored to host this session to provide a platform for sharing stories, raising awareness, and advocating for the rights of these children.
🤐 While August 15 is a day to celebrate India’s freedom from British rule, it is also a day to fight for the freedom of expression for all, including Sikhs.
🗣️ Join us in conversation tomorrow at 2 PM EST and 11 AM PST on X (Twitter) Space as we raise awareness of the online censorship of Sikhs and hear firsthand experiences from Sikh activists, journalists and organizations from all over the world.
📣 We must speak up to . Click the link in our bio to set a reminder for a day of action on X (Twitter)!
🌎 We believe that Sikh American youth have the power to make a difference in the world.
✊Sikh American National Youth Council (SANYC) is here to provide a platform for Sikh American youth to come together, organize, and take action on issues that matter to them.
📣 SANYC advances SALDEF’s commitment to leadership through programs that are designed to empower Sikh youth.
🔥 Are you a Sikh American youth who is ready to make a difference? Apply to join SANYC today and be a part of the movement for a stronger Sikh American community.
censorship dump
To hear first hand accounts of online censorship and join the fight to , RSVP using the link in our bio.
🎉 We are so proud to announce that the Vermont gurdwara has been designated a Los Angeles historical cultural monument!
🔦 This is a historic moment for the Sikh community in Los Angeles, and it is all thanks to the hard work and dedication of many Sikh community members including SikhLEAD alum, Tejpaul Singh.
🔋 SikhLEAD is a leadership development internship program that empowers Sikh youth to make a difference in their communities.
👏 We are so grateful to the alumni for their work in preserving this important piece of our community history.
🤫 Censorship is a tool of oppression used to silence those who speak out against injustice.
➡️ Join us on Twitter for a global conversation and day of action to fight against censorship and protect Sikh voices.
We mourn the loss of those who were murdered 11 years ago today at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek.
While 11 years have passed, the effects of the Oak Creek shooting are never far from the minds of Sikh American advocates and the community we serve.
We will not stop taking a stand against senseless violence and hate crimes.
We continue to work in unity with our community and movement partners, and fight for better policies that will actively keep all of our communities safe.
➡️ Please join SALDEF and leading Sikh organizations, journalists and activists from all over the world for a Censorship Day of Action and panel on August 15th.
🇮🇳 As India celebrates its Independence Day, we're going to highlight Twitter (X) and 's ongoing censorship of Sikh voices across the globe through research, advocacy, and solidarity.
✨Sikh values are all about seva, or selfless service to others.
🙏 That's why we're so proud to announce that our free health clinic hosted with our partners at the Gurdwara in Milipitas was another huge success!
🩺 We were able to provide free medical services to many members of the sangat and we're so grateful for the continued support of our donors and volunteers to make this project a reality.
➡️ To help us reach start more health clinics in local gurdwaras throughout America, please donate to this project on (Link on our stories)
With all the talk surrounding Twitter this week, it's important that we don't forget the silencing of Sikh voices across the platform during and after the Farmers' Protests by the Indian Government.
SALDEF's Research and Policy Manager, Jyot Singh, critically responds to former Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, and his admittance that Twitter played into the hands of the Indian Government and censored Sikhs to keep company operations in India afloat.
💛 to this weekend’s SikhLEAD networking session just a block away from the White House!
🤗 Our staff had a great time interacting with SikhLEAD Interns from across the country as they came together for a day of networking, learning, and community building.
😮 SikhLEAD Interns even had the opportunity to connect with and hear from former interns, such as Harmann Singh, who shared their stories and advice.
⚕️We are excited to share that SALDEF has teamed up with the Sikh Health Network (SHN) to enhance the health and wellbeing of Sikh Americans directly at their local gurdwaras.
🩺 This week, SikhLEAD
Interns organized their first Health and Wellness Clinics in Florida. These clinics provide free medical services, facilitated by volunteer medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, and dentists.
💬 “Hosting the first wellness SEVA clinic under SALDEF and SHN’s collaboration was truly an honor and I couldn’t be more proud to provide Seva and help my community that has always been there for me. Our clinic at my local gurdwara in Oviedo, Florida was a success as we were able to provide consultation to those who needed it most and received highly positive feedback which will allow me to run this clinic every month for the foreseeable future.” said Regional SikhLEAD Intern Pavit Dhillon.
🤝This partnership is an important step towards guaranteeing that all Sikh Americans have equitable access to quality healthcare.
To support the clinics, please donate at https://shorturl.at/BIMS9
Langar on the Hill is back!
💫 Join us for a unique event organized by National DC SikhLEAD interns that brings together the Sikh American community with congressmen, policy makers, congressional staffers, and their fellow DC interns.
🇺🇸 This year's in-person event will be held on July 26th from 5-7pm in Washington DC.
💡Langar is a Sikh tradition of community dining, where everyone is welcome to sit and eat together regardless of religious or cultural background.
Tag your friends and family who would love to join us! To RSVP, please visit www.shorturl.at/fmtCX
🏆 We are proud to announce that has advanced to the final stages of the legislative process in the California State Legislature.
📣 Confronting based violence is a huge priority in order to ensure we protect the civil liberties of caste-oppressed people in the United States.
✊ SALDEF is proud to fight for protections that would build on the civil rights movement and add protections for those individuals facing caste discrimination.
The rise of anti-Asian hate the last few years has been alarming. The Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, and LGBTQIA+ communities have a long history of being targeted.
SALDEF Executive Director, Kiran Kaur Gill, is excited to be featured as a panelist along with other community advocates to discuss strategies on how we can work together to fight hate crimes in America and create a more equitable and loving society.
This event is open and free to the public! To RSVP, visit http://ocanationalconvention.org/
OCA- Greater Washington DC Chapter
💭 Are you a resourceful, determined, and execution-oriented Program/Policy Associate?
🔍 SALDEF is seeking a new team member to assist with the work of our Programs and Policy teams.
💡In this role, you will work on a variety of projects, including:
• executing programs
• developing policy communications
• managing government relations
• conducting community outreach
💼We are looking for someone who is passionate about advocacy for all who need a voice, especially in the South Asian American and broader AAPI communities. If you are up for the challenge, apply today! To learn more and apply, visit our website: https://saldef.org/careers/
After a short hiatus, the highly anticipated is back! 🇺🇸
SALDEF's 2023 SikhLEAD D.C. Cohort is gearing up to continue on the tradition of Langar on the Hill, a day where lawmakers, their staff, and other important decision makers join us at Langar on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to learn about the Sikh-American community, customs, faith, and practices.
Your support can help us ensure the event is a success, and continues on for many years to come. Our D.C. Cohort kindly requests donations to sponsor Langar on the Hill 2023. To donate visit: tinyurl.com/lothdonate2023 📩
📣 To every student hearing the decision today, know this: you still matter and we will keep showing up for you. Do not allow them to tell you that you don’t belong. We are with you, and we will never stop working to end systems of white supremacy/oppression in our country.
🇺🇸 America is at our best when we bring down barriers to ensure all of us — no matter what we look like or where we come from — can get ahead. We will not let the Supreme Court’s decisions curtail our freedom to reach our highest potential.
☀️SikhLEAD Interns are shining bright in June! They're learning from Sikh Americans leaders such as Mayor Ravi Bhalla as well as Former Attorney General and Director for the Division of Enforcement at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gurbir Grewal.
🔮 As the future of public service, they’re getting inspired by trailblazers to make a difference in their own communities.
🧡 To support opportunities such as these for the next generation of Sikh American leaders, please make a tax-deductible donation at www.tinyurl.com/supportingsikhlead
Talk about a full circle!
🙏 SALDEF board member Juspreet Kaur delivered remarks and a shabad as Sukh Kaur, a former SALDEF Intern was elected as a San Antonio City Council member.
🏆 We are so proud of Sukh as she is the first Sikh woman to be elected to city council in San Antonio, Texas!
SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill serves as chair of the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council (FBSAC), working to build safe and resilient communities by offering community perspectives to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
At this week's convening the FBSAC presented recommendations to the DHS that focused on:
-Helping places of worship, faith communities, and faith-based
organizations enhance their security and preparedness
-Addressing challenges that faith-based organizations encounter when applying for DHS grants
-How the Department can build trust with faith community stakeholders and empower local leaders to more effectively use DHS resources
"I am pleased to see that significant feedback from the Sikh American community and other minority religious communities was adopted in the subcommittee reports and I look forward to working with Secretary Mayorkas to ensure implementation of the recommendations. I would like to thank community members from around the country who have shared their perspectives on DHS with us," said Kiran.
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SALDEF is on the front lines of the fight against anti-Sikh hate crimes and we are grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of this issue on this week’s segment of Ajj Da Mudda. Thank you @justv_official. Tune in as SALDEF Executive Director, Kiran Kaur Gill and SALDEF Programs Director, Puneet Kaur discuss the alarming increase in anti-Sikh hate crimes and how we are actively working to combat the surge. To watch the full video, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp9ltAVy7O0
Dedicated SALDEF volunteer and supporter Satinder Singh Malhi shows us how he ties his turban each morning for #timelapsetuesday
The Five Ks are not just symbols but Articles of Faith that collectively form the external identity and the commitment to the "Sikh way of life". Each item is symbolic of devotion, respect, and community, with deep historical significance. Here, SikhLEAD alumni and actor @gurpreetsarin explains the five articles of faith in Sikhi in a special collaboration with Faith Counts
On this day last year, 8 Americans were killed in a senseless mass shooting in a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. Together we remember Amarjeet Kaur Johal, Amarjit Sekhon, Jasvinder Kaur, Jaswinder Singh, Matthew Alexander, Samaria Blackwell, John Weisert, & Karli Smith. Today, Komal Chohan, the granddaughter of the deceased Amarjeet Johal, and local community organizer reflects on her Indianapolis Sangat a year after the tragic shooting. Tonight at 7PM EDT, join Komal, Sikh Research Institute Creative Director Inni Kaur, and Mental Health Expert Omarpreet Kaur as we remember Indianapolis and learn how to overcome and process grief as a global Sangat. Hurry, sign up for free: tinyurl.com/rememberingIndianapolis #rememberingindianapolis #healingspace
Today Sikhs around the world celebrate Vaisakhi, the day when Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa Panth. The Khalsa was created during a time when the region was in turmoil. Guru Gobind Singh was looking to create a community that would stand up for those in need, uphold justice and equity, and devote their lives to service, all while recognizing the human race as one In these difficult times, we can all find inspiration in Sikhism’s teachings of equality, compassion, and selfless service. Wishing you a very Happy Vaisakhi from all of us here at SALDEF.
“My turban has been a part of my identity for all my life as it represents a crown that is part of the faith in my culture.” says SikhLEAD alumni Bhajleen Kaur. Sikh women wear turbans (dastaars) too! According to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a turban is a sign of equality, sovereignty and dedication to one's faith. Let us know if you have any questions about turbans (dastaars) below. #turbantimelapse #tuesdaytimelapse #sikhawarenessmonth
What function does the Sikh house of worship, a gurdwara, play for Sikhs? Watch as SikhLEAD alumni and actor, Gurpreet Sarin explains in this video in our collaboration with Faith Counts. The gurdwara, literally the “gateway of the guru,” is a meeting place for Sikhs that houses the Sikh sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib and serves as a place of worship, community, and education for Sikhs. It is a place of worship but is also an educational and service institution that contains a langar hall where large communal meals are prepared and served, and a place where the community may discuss the political and social affairs of the day. 👉Help us spread awaress for #sikhawarenessmonth, share this video and tag us + Faith Counts!
Turbans are an important part of the Sikh identity. Both women and men may wear turbans. As an article of faith, Sikhs regard their turbans as gifts given by their beloved gurus, and their meaning is deeply personal. The Sikh gurus adopted the turban to remind Sikhs that all humans are sovereign, royal and ultimately equal. In honor of Sikh awareness month, we are featuring the variety of ways to tie a turban (dastaar) from various SALDEF interns, alumni and volunteers for #timelapsetuesday. Here, SikhLEAD alumni Harwinder Singh shows us how he wears his turban. How long do you think it takes him to actually tie one?
April is here and so is Sikh awareness month! This year, SALDEF partnered with FaithCounts to create a video series explaining the world's fifth-largest religion, Sikhism. Watch as SALDEF Executive director Kiran Kaur Gill offers an insight into who Sikhs are. Join us, please share this post and tag us and @myfaithcounts to spread awareness of the Sikh faith. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOKxJlDq4Xs
Before joining Sparacino PLLC, Tejinder was a partner at the elite Supreme Court and an appellate litigation boutique Goldstein & Russell, P.C., where he made history as the FIRST turbaned Sikh to ever argue a case before the Supreme Court of the United States. This week, join Tejinder Singh along with other panelists as they demystify the Supreme Court process and share their perspectives on the Supreme Court Hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Don’t miss out on this virtual webinar as we explain and demystify the Supreme Court. To reserve your spot, please visit https://bit.ly/3LnAaku
Given the second day of hearing today, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is responding to direct questions from senators for her nomination to the US Supreme Court. But what exactly does the supreme court do? Here is a quick video to explain exactly what the supreme court does, as well as its’ function in the American government.
It’s time to celebrate! 🥳 We extend a huge congratulations to SALDEF SikhLEAD alumni Jaskaran Singh who is officially the national college jeopardy champion 🏆🤩 P.S. Thank you for the shoutout Jaskaran 🙏
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