 Our Presence Counts  |
Our Presence Counts
SS Mukta Kaur Khalsa
Espanola, New Mexico, USA
For the last four years, I have worked in the New Mexico House of Representatives in Session Chambers at their request. This involves working closely with the Speaker of the House. Each year I learn more and it adds value to serving that position. It has reinforced my belief that this is an excellent way to interface with the community and create impact. This type of outreach, on a local, state, or federal level, demonstrates that we are active and involved. It builds our credibility and validity in the public eye and integrates our Gursikh values into the leadership.
This is an excellent opportunity for networking with legislators, media, the judiciary, and officials from all levels of government. Many school children, including our own, visit the chambers daily and see that a Sikh in full bana is performing an important function. It is a great role model: we can strive for and attain whatever we want and still maintain our values. In reality, as one Sikh we always represent all of our community.
As I have gained experience in the legislative process, I have been able to help those new to the legislature who do not understand the process as well as I do. Besides helping them, this builds rapport with these officials.
When the Siri Singh Sahib Ji and the Bhai Sahiba Ji attended the opening session in the chambers, there was a constant stream of people to greet them.
Every state has a legislature and anyone can apply to the Senate or the Legislature (Assembly) and become involved. This is a way for each of us to expand the visibility and presence of Sikh Dharma and our 3HO Family, and work to serve the good of humanity.