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Press Release | June 15, 2024 | Subscribe
ASC reps speak on the Sikh Genocide at a community event in Artesia, CA!
Jasbir Kaur and Dr. Manbir Singh with guests and organizing host Maninder Singh (R)
American Sikh Council representatives, Jasbir Kaur the current President and Dr. Manbir Singh the current Vice-President along with Harsimranjit Singh participated at an event organized by Maninder Singh to honor two California Assemblywomen.
A community reception for Assemblywomen Sharon Quirk-Silva representing California's 67th District comprising northern and western Orange County and Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Bains representing California's 35th District which includes most of Kern County and especially the city of Bakersfield was organized and held from Noon to 2 pm at the Ashoka the Great restaurant in Artesia, CA by host Maninder Singh on Saturday June 8, 2024.
In addition to both assemblywomen, other elected officials who attended included Artesia Mayor Pro Tem Ali Sajjad Taj, Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, and La Palma Councilwoman Janet Keo Conklin.
Other distinguished guests included board members of the Hollywood and Walnut Gurdwaras and representatives of non-profit advocacy groups such as the Arab-American Civic Council and the South Asian Network (S.A.N.).
Also present were noted activists such as Rima Nashashibi (who runs non-profit group Global Hope 365, which addresses human trafficking and issues of underage marriage and risks to women and girls worldwide), Nirinjan Singh Khalsa and his service to the city of Los Angeles, and independent photographer Gus Castellanos (who also covers events for the Orange County Democratic Party).
Prior to the event starting officially at noon, Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Bains was interviewed by a news team from Reuters News agency in reference to Dr. Bains' pending bill AB 3027, which addresses transnational repression. If passed, it would be the first law of its kind in the nation to give special protections to any California residents who have received threats from any foreign nation or entity.
After a brief introduction, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva spoke first and addressed the diverse audience on various topics. Dr. Bains proudly mentioned being the first Sikh woman to hold a statewide office in California. She then delved into AB 3027 which is a pending bill addressing transnational repression. It is a unique bill and if passed, would set a precedent across the country. It's even being supported by Congressman Adam Schiff and he's trying to pass similar legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
After both assemblywomen spoke, there was a brief question-and-answer period followed by presentations of California State Assembly certificates of recognition to distinguished Sikhs as well as various grassroots advocacy and non-profit groups such as the Hollywood Gurdwara for its 55th anniversary and the American Sikh Council.
Reuters News Agency covered the event and interviewed Jasbir Kaur in reference to the Sustained Sikh Genocide and the transnational repression.
The ASC representative Jasbir Kaur highlighted the need for women empowerment within the gurdwaras and also spoke about the various national initiatives that the organization is running for over a decade.
The event ended a few remarks by different attendees including Dr. Manbir Singh and various greetings by individuals as they began departing. The event was highlighted by a cross-section of southern California's Sikh and South Asian communities as well as the dedicated elected officials who strive to represent their diverse districts.
It was a successful event that concluded on a note of goodwill from all and in the Sikh spirit of Chardi Kala.
The American Sikh Council (ASC) thanks Maninder Singh and sincerely appreciates being invited and included in the event.
Assemblywoman Silva, Harsimranjit Singh, Jasbir Kaur and Assemblywoman Dr. Bains.
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