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UNITED SIKHS HONOR VICTIMS OF OAK CREEK GURUDWARA SHOOTING WITH EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
National “Coffee with a Sikh” Series Created to Increase Public Awareness
| OAK CREEK, WI– In recognition of the 6th anniversary of the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of six Sikhs at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, UNITED SIKHS today launched a new public education campaign aimed at creating meaningful discussions about Sikh history and civil rights in America. Focusing on towns and cities where hate crimes against Sikhs have been reported, the Coffee with a Sikh series will allow non-Sikh Americans to learn about the five articles of faith in Sikhism, contributions made throughout history and statistics on hate crimes. |
| “The global Sikh community continues to mourn the loss of six Sikhs who were the target of a hateful and racist attack six years ago today,” said Gurvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS Director of Sikh Aid. “Sadly, we are still seeing hate crimes and discrimination reported throughout the country at an alarming rate, which highlights the clear need for continued education outreach programs. Our campaign to educate non-Sikh Americans with conversation over a cup of coffee is the first step towards fostering tolerance and a better understanding of the issues Sikhs experience.” |
| “Sikhs are 100 times more likely to be assaulted than non-Sikh American citizens,” said Rajesh Singh, UNITED SIKHS Operations Manager. “Leveraging the power of dialogue and education, Coffee with a Sikh will help address some of the long-standing questions many non-Sikh Americans have, such as why Sikhs wear turbans and have long hair. The public will also have the opportunity to touch the articles of faith and see how a turban is tied in the approachable comfort of a local coffee shop.” |
| Launched through the organization’s global Sikh Awareness Project, Coffee with a Sikh will start off in the following cities, beginning later this month:Oak Creek, WisconsinChicago, IllinoisNewark, New JerseyNew York City, New YorkWashington D.C. |
| A full national schedule with coffee shop locations will be available at www.UNITEDSIKHS.org, as well as on the organization’s Facebook and Twitter pages. At a time when documented hate crimes against minority communities continue to be on the rise in the United States and across other nations around the world, UNITED SIKHS strive to be leaders in the fight against incidents of hate, bias, discrimination and intolerance. Click here to report a hate crime or discrimination. To receive a copy of our Ant-Sikhism Hate & Bullying in America report, or if you are interested in hosting Coffee with a Sikh event in your hometown, please email ops-usa@unitedsikhs.org. |
| To read an original article published on the day of the Oak Creek shooting, please click here. |
| Victims of Aug. 05, 2012 – Forever in our hearts: |
Satwant Singh Kaleka
June 02, 1947 – August 05, 2012 (Age 65)
Satwant Singh Kaleka was born in the city of Patiala in the northern state of Punjab, India. He was born into a large family of nine brothers and sisters. They played together as children, and remained close throughout life. He fondly remembered that his extended family was always considered an immediate family. He would chuckle and say, that’s why we have the largest family on Earth, and we’re lucky for that. He made his living as a farmer in India. Satwant Singh immigrated to United States in 1982 after being sponsored by his elder brother, Dr. Jagjit Singh Kaleka, who was practicing Veterinary medicine in Wisconsin. He immigrated with his two sons, Pardeep Singh and Amardeep Singh, and wife, Satpal Kaur. He worked long hours at a gas station to make ends meet. By 1987, he had saved up enough money to buy a small gas station. With help from his family, the business ran with great success. In 1993, he bought his current house in Greenfield, Wisconsin. His initial order of business was to plant a United States flag on the front lawn. The flag stood triumphantly throughout the years. Satwant Singh, along with several other community members, organized their savings to start the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in 1997. From its beginning until August 5th, 2012, he served as its leader and president. He spent countless hours at the Gurdwara maintaining the facilities, helping run the daily services, and offering a helping hand to anyone in the congregation. Satwant Singh Kaleka is survived not only by his wife, and two sons, but by every life he ever touched – his in-laws, his friends, his Sikh community, his neighbors in Milwaukee – even today, as his soul has crossed over to the other side.
Ranjit Singh
April 04, 1963 – August 05, 2012 (Age 49)
Ranjit Singh was born in the village of Dalu Wala, Punjab. He had two brothers, one of whom was Sita Singh, and two sisters. He moved to New Delhi after completing his education. He then subsequently moved to the United States in 1997. Ranjit Singh is survived by his wife, Lokinder Kaur, and three children, Jasbeer Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur, and Gurvinder Singh. His son, Gurvinder Singh, was only seven months old when Ranjit Singh left their home in India for better life in the United States. He was hoping to return to India for the first time in November 2012 in time for Diwali celebration. Besides working at the Sikh Temple, Ranjit Singh worked odd jobs on the weekdays to send money back to his family in India. He wanted to secure a bright future for his family. He will be remembered as a humble and hard-working man.
Sita Singh
November 15, 1970 – August 05, 2012 (Age 41)
Sita Singh was born in the village of Dalu Wala, Punjab. He was the younger brother of Ranjit Singh, another victim of the shooting. He was part of a family of five children. Sita Singh moved to New Delhi after completing his education. Prior to moving to the United States in 1995, he lived in Canada and England. He moved from New York City to the Sikh Temple only six months before the shooting. Sita Singh is survived by his wife, Surinder Kaur, and four children, Sarabjeet Kaur, Harmeet Singh, Kamaljeet Kaur, and Jasbir Singh. He was a very dedicated Sikh, who selflessly attended to all duties at the temple, including daily services, maintenance, and cooking. He was also very fond of music and reading.
Paramjit Kaur
April 25, 1971- August 05, 2012 (Age 41)
Paramjit Kaur was the only woman killed in the shooting. She is survived by her husband, Inderjit Singh Saini, and two sons, Kamaljit Singh Saini and Harpreet Singh Saini. She had recently returned from a trip to India with her sons, where they had visited Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab. This was her first trip to India since arriving in United States in 2004. She was a weekly presence at the Gurdwara, as her faith stemmed deep in the Sikh religion. She came to pray and serve every Sunday and Thursday. She greatly valued education, and wanted to ensure her sons’ made use of the educational opportunity here. She was a very selfless woman, always putting her husband and sons first before anything.
Prakash Singh
November 1, 1972 – August 05, 2012 (Age 39)
Prakash Singh was born in New Delhi, India. He was part of a family of four brothers and one sister. He had moved to the United States in 2005 from New Delhi, India. Prakash Singh had been a priest at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin for about 7 years. He had received his green card in the early part of 2012. He had gone to India in June 2012, and had returned with his wife, Ravinder Kaur, son, Prabhjot Singh, and daughter, Palmeet Kaur. He was preparing to move to an apartment with his family within the next week or so before the shooting. Prakash Singh was known as a man who truly followed the Guru’s teaching, and instilled the same in his children. He was known by his friends and family for being a very caring and hard-working individual.