Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On November 13, 1998, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that President Clinton sent a letter of greeting on November 3rd to Sikhs across the country to celebrate the 529th birth-anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. Clinton states, "We are grateful for the teachings of Guru Nanak, which celebrate equality of all in the eyes of God - a message that strengthens our efforts to build one America. Religious pluralism in our nation is bringing us together in new and powerful ways."

Source: The Washington Post

On October 31, 1998, the Washington Post issued an article about the growing population of Sikhs in the Washington-Baltimore area, which has doubled in the last five years. Bhai Gurdarshan Singh, priest of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation in Rockville, MD, explains that this recent surge of Sikhs to the area is a result of the family and friends of previous immigrants, who came to the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s, who have recently decided to emigrate from India. Today, about 1000 Sikh families, comprising 6000-7000 people, reside in...

Source: The Houston Chronicle

On October 31, 1998, the Houston Chronicle reported that the Sikh Center of the Gulf Coast in Houston is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The Sikh community in Houston today comprises over 1000 families, a far cry from the estimated 20 families who presided over the dedication of the first gurdwara in Houston in 1973. The celebration included a rally at Houston's Tranquillity Park on November 4th, a special worship service for the birthday of Guru Nanak also on November 4th, and an anniversary service on November 8th at the...

Source: The Hartford Courant

On October 22, 1998, The Hartford Courant reported on a massive fire that destroyed a large commercial building in downtown Hartford on October 20th. The Connecticut Sikh Association, which rented the second floor of the building and used it for worship services and other activities, had stored their copy of the Sikh holy books inside the building. The fire gutted most of the second floor, but the holy books and many religious artifacts survived the fire. Hargurpreet Singh, a member of the Connecticut Sikh Association,...

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune

On September 25, 1998, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Sikh Society of San Diego has gained approval from the Escondido City Council to add gold domes to an already approved plan for a Sikh temple in Escondido. The Escondido Planning Commission had previously denied the addition of the gold domes on the basis that it would be "incompatible with the "Southwestern" style of the neighborhood." The Sikh Society of San Diego appealed to city hall and they enthusiastically approved the addition.

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On August 28, 1998, the article, "Judge Approves Plan for Sikh Temple in San Jose," appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Source: Sun-Sentinel

On August 23, 1998, one Sikh shot and killed another Sikh (and wounded two others) before shooting himself. Both men were devoted to the gurdwara. Long standing differences led to this unexpected tragedy despite the gurdwara's efforts to negotiate a reconciliation. One area of difference concerned seating in the gurdwara; this relates to humility and equality which are profound concerns in this faith tradition. Some of the media coverage was seen as problematic. "What happened at the Gurdwara could have happened at a church, a synagogue, or...

Source: The New York Times

On July 18, 1998, the New York Times ran an article about a Sikh summer camp in the hills of Pennsylvania. Sikh youth come to Lohgarh Retreat to learn more about their religion, and to share with counselors and peers the issues and concerns faced by Sikh youth. Wearing a turban, a very visible sign of being a Sikh, can attract attention and even name-calling; at camp the turban is discussed as a reminder of identity.