In 1913, Bhagat Singh Thind came to the US in pursuit of education and opportunity. He became the first Sikh to fight alongside Americans in the armed forces (serving in World War I), but his citizenship was rescinded twice because of his race. Still, he did not let the Supreme Court decision discourage him. He continued his education, became a religious leader and activist, and eventually became an American after a 1935 law allowed all vets to take the oath.
On July 12, 2013, 150 Indian-American business leaders came to the US in pursuit of an event celebrating the Sikh centennial. All shared Thind’s Sikh faith and strong drive, and most shared his Singh name as well. The attendees included innovators like Sunny Singh of Edifecs, Savneet Singh of Gold Button International, and Seva Call’s very own Manpreet Singh. All of these attendees epitomize Mr. Thind’s indomitable spirit, proving through their professional and personal contributions that America gains innumerable value through our acceptance of one another.
Manpreet Singh is a prime example. He became the youngest CFA charter holder in the world and got his MBA at Wharton Business School before co-founding Seva Call.
The prestigious event was organized by the Sikh Council on Religious Education, of which Manpreet Singh is an active member. The very public, symbolic embrace of the community by the Obama Administration is in stark contrast to the pervasive fear and misunderstanding Sikh’s face across the country and abroad.
