CA ACR147

Designates November as California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month to recognize the contributions of Californians of Sikh heritage to the state

Acknowledges historical Sikh contributions including founding the first U.S. Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Stockton in 1912, pioneering agriculture in California valleys, and establishing educational scholarships at UC Berkeley

Recognizes notable Sikh Americans including Dalip Singh Saund (first Asian American elected to U.S. Congress, 1957-1963), Narinder Singh Kapany (father of fiber optics), and multiple Sikh American mayors and city council members across California

Highlights ongoing Sikh American contributions to military service, business, agriculture, medicine, law, engineering, and education, while noting the community's interfaith participation and charitable work

Acknowledges that Sikh Americans have faced discrimination and hate crimes since September 11, 2001, including the Oak Creek Wisconsin Gurdwara shooting in 2012 and murders in Elk Grove, California in 2011