California Bans carrying of Kirpan by Sikhs

LETTER TO GOVERNOR ARNOLD  SCHWARZENEGGER OF CALIFORNIA
TO REVERT HIS DECISION OVER CARRYING OF KIRPAN BY SIKHS

INDIAN AMERICAN INTELLECTUALS FORUM
41-67 Judge Street, Suite 5P
Elmhurst, New York 11373

October 15, 2009

Hon. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Office of the Governor
State Capital Building
Sacramento ,  California 95814

Sub:  Request to Revert Your Decision over Carrying of Kirpan by Sikhs
 
Hon. Governor Schwarzenegger:

We are highly perturbed and deeply disturbed to know that Your Honor has vetoed a unanimously passed bill (AB-504) over carrying of kirpan by Sikhs in California , stating that it was “unnecessary”.

Your decision has offended not only millions of Sikhs all over the world but also hurt the sensibilities of one billion Hindus who consider Sikhs as their elder brothers and fully appreciate and understand the significance of carrying a kirpan by Sikhs.

In this connection, we would like to inform you that kirpan had been made a part of Sikh Dharma (Religion)  by our Gurus to enable Sikhs to protect themselves against the savagery and brutalities  by  Islamic radical brutes from Afghanistan who had unleashed the reign of loot, murder, rape and terror in the Indian state of Punjab for more than 1000 years and killed thousands of innocent Sikhs and Hindus. 

For your information, we would also like to add here that Sikhs are known to be very brave, loyal, peaceful people, and are an asset to America .  In India , Sikhs are held in high esteem by most of the Indians because they are religiously trained to protect honor of women and self-respect of the weak and the poor.  The main motivation behind transforming Hindus into Sikhs was to defend the pride and dignity of Indian nation.  During British rule in India , Sikhs were the mainstay of British Imperial Army and have won many laurels for their chivalry.

 We believe that your decision is not based on wise counsel and has not taken historical factors into account.

The relationship between Hindus and Sikhs is akin to skin and nails.  Hindus in India and all over the world consider Sikhs as their blood brothers.  Hence, we request you to kindly reconsider your decision and permit our Sikh brothers to carry kirpan in your state – California .  By doing so, you could win accolades from both; one billion Hindus and 25 Million Sikhs.

Very truly yours,

Narain Kataria

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