As one of the most diverse areas in the state, the Queens political scene is also becoming more diverse, with five Sikhs being elected to the Queens Democratic County Committee - a first in New York history.
Harjinder Singh Duggal, Dhan Singh, Gurmej Singh, Mohinder Singh and Harpreet Singh Wahan were all elected to the committee during the primary election and will represent Flushing, Richmond Hill and South Ozone Park.
“Since 9/11, Sikhs have lived in constant fear of hate crimes and discrimination. Sikhs have been branded as terrorists because we wear turbans,” said Amardeep Singh, the Legal Director of the Sikh Coalition. “The election of five Sikhs in New York signals a new era where Sikhs can proactively raise awareness and fight prejudice with our political clout.”
Wahan said that, seeing the under representation of Sikh Americans, he decided to run for the position, adding that he wants to work for all voters. Wahan and his fellow newly elected members went to their first committee meeting last week. He said that they received a warm welcome from elected officials.
Wahan also said that, among his top priorities, is educating people so that they will realize that wearing a turban does not mean that someone is a terrorist. He also said that his personal goal is to represent all voters.
“We have the fifth largest religion in the world and yet Sikhs remain misunderstood and are targets of discrimination because of the way we look and the clothes we wear,” said Duggal.
In New York City, there are approximately 55,000 Sikhs.
Five Sikhs elected to Queens Dem Committee
By Jessica Lyons
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