After the Indian army attacked the sacred Sikh Golden Temple and killed thousands of Sikhs in 1984, the call for an independent Sikh nation, Khalistan, gained significant traction in the Sikh community both in Punjab and abroad. A desire for independence has been present throughout Sikh history, but the events of 1984 brought the issue to the fore for many Sikhs. In gurdwaras throughout the United States, addressing the issues surrounding Khalistan is  balanced with addressing the issues of how to maintain a Sikh community in the United States.... Read more about America or Khalistan?

Wearing uncut hair (kes) covered with a turban and carrying the symbolic knife (kirpan) are two of the five emblems of Sikh initiation into the Khalsa, the Sikh sacred community. In the United States, Sikhs have defended the right to wear these symbols of faith with varying results. Many judicial cases require parties to strike a balance between an individual’s right of free exercise, and questions of safety, government interest, and/or undue hardship on an organization.... Read more about The Five K’s and the Courts

Many Sikh children find themselves the only Sikhs in their schools and neighborhoods. The American Sikh community provides youth programming at gurdwaras and summer camps for Sikh youth from different towns and cities to meet and gather. Online communities also provide spaces for Sikh youth to connect.... Read more about Growing Up Sikh

Following 9/11, there was an increase in hate crimes and discrimination against Sikhs across the United States, which led to the formation of national Sikh advocacy groups and organizations. More local initiatives seeking to educate the public about Sikhism and build relationships with non-Sikh community members also emerged.... Read more about Sikhism Post 9/11