Becoming American

"The Story of the California Pioneers, the Sikh Migration over 125 years."
Presented by Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang, MD of Punjabi American Heritage Society, Yuba City, CA
In recognition of Novembers Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month, this years
theme is Humanity, the unity in diversity!

Program:
Location
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
4:30 PM 5:30 PM

Margie Edinger Room -Central Park Library, Santa Clara

(2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051)
Welcome Reception and High Tea
Featuring Turban Tying Photo Booth
Opening Words
Presentation and Q & A.

Welcome Reception & Turban Tying Photo Booth: Everyone is invited to try out colorful
turbans and capture memorable moments at the photo booth. Enjoy food and goodies with
friends new and old from the community.
Presentation: Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang will present the striking history - Sikh pioneers of California
over the last 125 years - a story of their protracted struggles, relentless optimism and
monumental achievements!
Dr. Kang will take you on a journey, spread over the last century, detailing stories of the tough
survival for early Sikhs Pioneers. Arriving from Punjab, the land of five rivers, they first settled in

Sacramento Valley, the other land of five rivers. For decades they endured discrimination as
they were denied US citizenship, the right to own land, and to bring their families to join them in
the US. Starting as farmers, they quickly trail blazed into the fields of politics, medicine and
science. By the 1960s, as the immigration laws relaxed, Sikhs became active participants of
California's rich diversity and lifestyle, and eventually its heritage. As the core belief of Sikh faith
of always living in high spirits, they overcame all odds. Since then they have made significant
contributions towards making California a progressive and prosperous state, and making it their
home!
Dr. Kang is the Founding Member of Yuba City's Punjabi American Heritage Society and the UC
Davis Pioneering Punjabis Digital Archive. More info about him at:
http://pioneeringpunjabis.ucdavis.edu/people/professionals/dr-jasbir-kang/
More Information about Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month
State of California and City of Santa Clara recognize November as Sikh Awareness and
Appreciation Month. Since the 1890s Sikh pioneers have made significant contributions to
California in farming, technology, medicine, science, transportation, entrepreneurship, politics,
and cultural and religious pluralism.
This month affords all Californians the opportunity to understand, recognize, and appreciate the
rich history and shared principles of democracy, equality, and service to humanity by Sikh
Americans.

Did you know

99% of turban wearers in America are Sikh.

The Father of Fiber Optics is a Sikh living in the Bay Area, Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany.
The first Asian American Congressman was a Sikh, Dalip Singh Saund.
The largest raisin grower is a Sikh, Charanjit Singh Bath.

There are multiple community service events and other family events through out the month.
Join us for more on City of Santa Clara website or www.saam-ca.org.

Proudly Supported by

| Cultural Commission | San Jose Sikh Gurdwara

Bob Wiecowski's Senate District 10 | Joy of Sewa