gatkafederationusa
SPNer
- Aug 16, 2023
- 6
- 0
- 47
Norwich, Mon Aug 23rd, 2026
In a landmark occasion marking an unprecedented chapter for the Sikh diaspora in North America, the World Gatka Federation, in collaboration with the Norwich Mayor’s Office, hosted a historic celebration of Miri-Piri Day and Sikh Veterans Day at Norwich City Hall. The event drew prominent dignitaries, panthic leaders, and community members from across the East Coast to commemorate a milestone never before observed at this scale in United States history. Rooted in the foundational principle of Miri-Piri established by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji—symbolizing the harmonious balance of spiritual wisdom and temporal sovereignty—the gathering formally honored the enduring legacy, chivalry, and military sacrifices of Sikh warriors across centuries.
The proceedings opened with a solemn Ardas led by Bhai Gagandeep Singh, followed by the national anthem of the United States. Attendees were subsequently immersed in devotional Shabad Kirtan performed by Simranjeet Singh and Gursimran Kaur, focusing on the spiritual essence of Miri-Piri. A series of distinguished guest speakers addressed the congregation throughout the afternoon. Sikh youth leader Gurpratap Singh delivered a keynote on the historic scope of the Sikh Raj and the contemporary relevance of Miri-Piri, while S. Surinder Singh, representing the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) in Washington, D.C. highlighted ongoing civil rights initiatives and community advocacy.
To commemorate lifelong dedication to the Panth, the leadership of the World Gatka Federation presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to S. Bhagat Singh of Pennsylvania, a prominent leader within the World Sikh Parliament. Special recognition was also accorded to Norwich City Mayor Swarnjit Singh Khalsa, President Pro-Tempore Joseph A. DeLucia, and Alderman Zato Kadambaya for their exceptional public service and support of the Sikh community. A central highlight of the historic day was the official unveiling of a bespoke sculpture of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh, crafted by renowned sculptor Samson Tonton, who was present to unveil the monument alongside community leaders.
The historical impact of the gathering was further solidified through state and municipal proclamations. Norwich City Mayor Swarnjit Singh Khalsa extended his gratitude to the congregation, praised the global promotion of Gatka (traditional Sikh martial arts), and presented an official city proclamation to Dr. Deep Singh, General Secretary of the World Gatka Federation, which was read aloud by youth representative S. Angad Singh. In a parallel gesture of historic recognition, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, issued an official state proclamation formally designating Miri-Piri Day as Sikh Veterans Day.
The success of this national milestone was made possible by the coordinated leadership of Dr. Deep Singh General Secretary World Gatka Federation, Swarnjit Singh Mayor City of Norwich, Kalvinder Singh Fresno Chairman World Gatka Federation and the organizational support of key figures, including World Sikh Parliament coordinators S. Himmat Singh. At this historic event Norwich City Historian Dale Plummer, Global City Norwich Director Bobbie Braboy, SAD representative S. Kular, and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Society representative Rajinder Singh received honor. The event was further anchored by the dedicated efforts of the Gatka Federation USA team, including S. Sujan Singh, Jaskirat Singh, Gurpreet Singh Patiala, sikh activist Sarbjit Kaur, S. Jasved Singh, Baljinder Singh Ludhiana, and Arshdeep Singh NY
In a landmark occasion marking an unprecedented chapter for the Sikh diaspora in North America, the World Gatka Federation, in collaboration with the Norwich Mayor’s Office, hosted a historic celebration of Miri-Piri Day and Sikh Veterans Day at Norwich City Hall. The event drew prominent dignitaries, panthic leaders, and community members from across the East Coast to commemorate a milestone never before observed at this scale in United States history. Rooted in the foundational principle of Miri-Piri established by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji—symbolizing the harmonious balance of spiritual wisdom and temporal sovereignty—the gathering formally honored the enduring legacy, chivalry, and military sacrifices of Sikh warriors across centuries.
The proceedings opened with a solemn Ardas led by Bhai Gagandeep Singh, followed by the national anthem of the United States. Attendees were subsequently immersed in devotional Shabad Kirtan performed by Simranjeet Singh and Gursimran Kaur, focusing on the spiritual essence of Miri-Piri. A series of distinguished guest speakers addressed the congregation throughout the afternoon. Sikh youth leader Gurpratap Singh delivered a keynote on the historic scope of the Sikh Raj and the contemporary relevance of Miri-Piri, while S. Surinder Singh, representing the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) in Washington, D.C. highlighted ongoing civil rights initiatives and community advocacy.
To commemorate lifelong dedication to the Panth, the leadership of the World Gatka Federation presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to S. Bhagat Singh of Pennsylvania, a prominent leader within the World Sikh Parliament. Special recognition was also accorded to Norwich City Mayor Swarnjit Singh Khalsa, President Pro-Tempore Joseph A. DeLucia, and Alderman Zato Kadambaya for their exceptional public service and support of the Sikh community. A central highlight of the historic day was the official unveiling of a bespoke sculpture of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh, crafted by renowned sculptor Samson Tonton, who was present to unveil the monument alongside community leaders.
The historical impact of the gathering was further solidified through state and municipal proclamations. Norwich City Mayor Swarnjit Singh Khalsa extended his gratitude to the congregation, praised the global promotion of Gatka (traditional Sikh martial arts), and presented an official city proclamation to Dr. Deep Singh, General Secretary of the World Gatka Federation, which was read aloud by youth representative S. Angad Singh. In a parallel gesture of historic recognition, Ned Lamont, Governor of the State of Connecticut, issued an official state proclamation formally designating Miri-Piri Day as Sikh Veterans Day.
The success of this national milestone was made possible by the coordinated leadership of Dr. Deep Singh General Secretary World Gatka Federation, Swarnjit Singh Mayor City of Norwich, Kalvinder Singh Fresno Chairman World Gatka Federation and the organizational support of key figures, including World Sikh Parliament coordinators S. Himmat Singh. At this historic event Norwich City Historian Dale Plummer, Global City Norwich Director Bobbie Braboy, SAD representative S. Kular, and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Society representative Rajinder Singh received honor. The event was further anchored by the dedicated efforts of the Gatka Federation USA team, including S. Sujan Singh, Jaskirat Singh, Gurpreet Singh Patiala, sikh activist Sarbjit Kaur, S. Jasved Singh, Baljinder Singh Ludhiana, and Arshdeep Singh NY
