Washington, DC: Dalip Singh Saund is the First Indian Congressman to have his portrait in Capitol Hill. The US House of Representatives has authorized monies for commissioning a portrait of late lawmaker Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian American ever elected to that body. Born in 1899, in Chhajulwadi, Punjab, Saund immigrated to the US, got a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1924, and was president of the Hindustan Association of America as a student there. He was a successful farmer for nearly 30 years in Imperial Valley, California, and from 1946, played an important role in ending restrictions that prohibited Indian immigrants from becoming naturalized citizens. In 1952, Saund was elected justice of the peace in Westmorland, California.

Mr Wilson introduced legislation during the 108th and 109th Congresses that called on the US Congress to commission a portrait of Mr. Saund. Today, I am thrilled to announce a tribute to Dalip Singh Saund and his extraordinary legacy. By permanently placing his portrait on Capitol Hill, we will commemorate his service and recognize America's unique culture, which enables all Americans regardless of race, religion, or national origin, to reach the very heights of success,"

Congressman Joe Wilson, South Carolina Republican said that “From a small village in India to the halls of Congress, Dalip Singh Saund demonstrated that a person with perseverance and optimism can overcome tremendous obstacles and achieve remarkable successes.” Mr. Wilson, a former co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, noted that while working for US citizenship and serving as the first Indian American elected to Congress, Mr. Saund became a “political pioneer of the Asian American community. His relentless dedication is an inspiration for all Americans.”

He particularly thanked clerk of the House Karen Haas, house curator Farar Elliott and his own legislative director Dino Teppara, an Indian American, "for their hard work during the commissioning process". Teppara told the agency: "After working for more than a year-and-a-half on this important project, we're proud that Dalip Singh Saund's portrait will soon be displayed on Capitol Hill Earlier this year, Mr. Saund was honoured by the House of Representatives, which voted unanimously to name a California post office after the late Indian American congressman. That Bill was sponsored by California Republican Congressman Darrell Issa and co-sponsored by Louisiana Republican Congressman Bobby Jindal, who is the second Indian American congressman in the history of the United States of America "Now, when Indian American families visit Congress, they can see Saund's portrait, which will serve as a reminder of his legacy and proof that all Americans can achieve their dreams." The portrait will be completed in a year.

Release Source: www.c2b2bnews.com

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