America
20 US Congressmen attend langar on Capitol Hill
Washington, July 30
Over 300 people, including
20 Congressmen, attended a langar (community meal) on Capitol Hill
here, a media report said on Thursday.
The langer was hosted by
the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), a
non-profit organisation, and Congressman Mike Honda on July 28, American
Bazaar web portal reported on Wednesday.
Chairman of the House
Budget Committee Paul Ryan, Indian-American Ami Bera, Vice-Chair of the
Democratic Caucus Joe Crowley, and Representatives Jerry McNerne and
Grace Meng were among the dignitaries who attended the event.
"I
am honoured 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.
"Sikh Americans have a long history of innovative
community engagement and leadership, from the Honorable Dalip Singh
Saund -- who served for the US Congress and was one of the great
pioneers -- to the advocates at SALDEF, who work to build dialogue,
deepen our understanding, and uphold social justice for all Americans,"
he added.
"Having the occasion to share a meal as equals is a strong reminder about the values of equality and universal friendship."
Jaspreet
Kaur, member of SikhLEAD, an SALDEF initiative, pointed out that even
though Sikh-Americans have a 125-year history in the US, there are a lot
of misperceptions about the community.
"Langar on the Hill is a
significant opportunity for us to introduce our American history and
Sikh values, including equality for all," she said in a statement.