Sikhs of America honoured a distinguished group of Sikh community leaders, lawmakers, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs from the United States and Britain at its annual Vaisakhi Gala Dinner in Washington on 18 May 2025, celebrating their contributions to public service, humanitarian work, and Sikh representation in mainstream society.

Who Was Honoured

Virginia Delegate JJ Singh received recognition for becoming the first turbaned Sikh to serve in a state legislature in US history. Baldev Singh Kang, an industrialist with business interests spanning the trucking and steel sectors across India, Armenia, Dubai, and the United States, was honoured for his contributions to business and industry. Oregon-based philanthropist Sardar Bahadur Singh was recognised for supporting free medical treatment and education initiatives for needy families.

Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister of Human Rights and Minorities in the Punjab province of Pakistan, was honoured for his role in promoting Sikh heritage preservation and supporting Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan, with organisers noting his work related to the Kartarpur Corridor initiative and access to historic gurdwaras. British Sikh Member of Parliament Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi was recognised for championing minority communities in the UK Parliament and advancing democratic values.

JJ Singh on Sikh and American Values

Delegate Singh spoke about the Sikh principles that guided his political journey. 'Work hard, serve others, and believe in something bigger than yourself,' Singh said. He drew a direct line between faith and civic duty: 'Sikh values are American values. It's about the overlap between the values of our faith and the values of our country.' Singh also highlighted Virginia legislation he sponsored covering protection of places of worship, reduction of college costs, and prevention of gun violence.

Kartarpur Corridor and Heritage Preservation

Ramesh Singh Arora's remarks centred on cross-border Sikh heritage, referencing the Kartarpur Corridor initiative and ongoing efforts to improve pilgrimage access to historic gurdwaras in Pakistan. His presence at the event underscored the transnational character of Sikh identity and the community's sustained interest in preserving its sacred sites across borders.

The Mission Behind the Gala

Jasdip Singh Jassi, head of Sikhs of America, said the initiative was conceived to spotlight Sikh contributions in mainstream American society. 'We should continue this love and give our youngsters and coming generations the message of Sikh values,' Jassi said. The annual Vaisakhi Gala has become a platform for recognising Sikhs who have broken barriers in politics, business, and public service across the Western world. With awardees drawn from the US, UK, and Pakistan this year, the event reflected the increasingly global footprint of Sikh leadership and advocacy.