NORWICH, CT — August 29, 2026 — In a landmark event uniting community and heritage, the World Gatka Federation, in collaboration with the Norwich Mayor’s Office, hosted a grand celebration at Norwich City Hall today to mark the historic Miri-Piri Day and Sikh Veterans Day 2026.

The gathering, which drew prominent personalities, Sikh organizational leaders, and community members from across the East Coast, was dedicated to the foundational principle of Miri-Piri established by Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The event served to honor the glorious legacy, history, and unparalleled sacrifices of Sikh warriors.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued an official proclamation formally recognizing Miri-Piri Day as Sikh Veterans Day across the state. In a significant educational initiative, it was also announced that a scholarship would be established in local schools in memory of the prominent human rights activist, S. Jaswant Singh Khalra.

Norwich City Mayor Swarnjit Singh Khalsa expressed his profound gratitude to the congregation and paid tribute to the Sikh martial art of Gatka. Mayor Khalsa presented a formal city proclamation to Dr. Deep Singh, General Secretary of the World Gatka Federation, which was read aloud by local Sikh youth representative S. Angad Singh.

According to Dr. Deep Singh, the ceremonies commenced with an Ardas (prayer) led by Bhai Gagandeep Singh Bareilly of New York. Following the United States national anthem, Simranjeet Singh and Gursimran Kaur delivered devotional hymns (Shabad Kirtan) centered on the concept of Miri-Piri.

Throughout the program, notable speakers addressed the audience. Sikh youth leader Gurpratap Singh highlighted key historical facts regarding the Sikh Raj and the core tenets of Miri-Piri, while S. Surinder Singh from the Washington, D.C.-based Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) outlined the organization’s community initiatives and the contemporary significance of Miri-Piri.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the official unveiling of a sculpture of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The piece was created by sculptor and artist Samson Tonton, who was in attendance for the monumental unveiling.

The event also served as an awards ceremony recognizing dedicated community service. The leadership of the World Gatka Federation and Gatka Federation presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to S. Bhagat Singh Deikwala of Pennsylvania, a respected Panthic leader and representative of the World Sikh Parliament, for his tireless services to the Sikh Community.

Special honors were also presented to Mayor Khalsa, President Pro-Tempore Joseph A. Delucia, and Alderman Zato Kadambaya. Additional honorees included:

• Dale Plummer – Norwich City Historian

• Bobbie Bradboy – Director, Global City Norwich

• S. Himmat Singh and Harminder Singh Ahluwalia – World Sikh Parliament

• Gurtej Singh Patiala, Hridaypal Singh, and Gagandeep Singh – Singh Cultural Society NY

• S. Kular – Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar

• Rajinder Singh – Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Society

• S. Angad Singh – Local Sikh Youth Representative

The successful execution of the historic occasion was heavily supported by the Gatka Federation USA team, including S. Sujan Singh, Jaskeerat Singh, Gurpreet Singh Patiala, Sarbjit Kaur, S. Jasved Singh, Baljinder Singh Ludhiana, and Arshdeep Singh.