Sikhs raise $135,000 for awareness campaign in Yuba City

WASHINGTON: The Sikh community in Yuba City in California has raised $135,000 as part of a national campaign to educate Americans about Sikhs and Sikhism.

Yuba City is home to many gurdwaras in the Northern California region and is also known for its Sikh farming community which owns large farms of Almond, Peach and raisins.

The National Sikh Campaign has been raising funds across the country to support media initiative to educate Americans about Sikhs and Sikhism.

The move comes in the wake of the increasing instances of hate crimes and violence against the minority community since 9/11.

In the recent weeks, two Sikhs have faced violence and hate filled rhetoric in California.

Balmeet Singh of Bakersfield had alcohol put on his face and turban and another Sikh Maan Singh Khalsa, an IT official, was attacked in Richmond, CA, and his attackers cut his hair and finger and also caused damage to his eye.

In both instances, attackers identified them either as terrorist or a Taliban.

"This effort has brought a sense of the togetherness within the Sikh community across the nation. Everyone feels connected to this campaign," said Dr Rajwant Singh, Co-founder of the National Sikh Campaign.

More such events are being planned in coming weeks.