NEW DELHI: As the first-ever Kashmiri Pandit and the sole Sikh woman currently running for Congress, Indian American Krystle Kaul said that she drew inspiration from the Sikh principle of oneness and a commitment to community service.
Kaul, a recognized defense and national security expert, is vying for the US Congress from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Kaul, who is of mixed Kashmiri Pandit and Punjabi Sikh heritage, emphasized her cultural background and the influence of Sikh traditions on her candidacy.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kaul, proficient in nine languages, highlighted her unique bicultural upbringing in America. “My Nani (grandmother) Vimal Chaddha Malik used to take me to Glen Cove Gurdwara in Long Island, New York. There I would serve langar. I learned a lot about Sikh traditions and the notion of oneness. I’m proud of that. That’s something that has given me a very strong sense of community and giving back and is one of the core values that I embrace in my bid for Congress,” she said.
The 10th Congressional District in Virginia is an open seat as the incumbent, Democrat Jennifer Wexton, is not seeking re-election.
Acknowledging the historical significance of Dalip Singh Saund, the first Sikh elected to the US House of Representatives in 1957, Kaul noted the underrepresentation of the Sikh community in American politics. Streeding on the need for Sikh representation, Kaul said, “This group definitely needs representation. Of course, there have been a lot of cases of discrimination against Sikhs, which is very unfortunate”
Highlighting her financial strength, Kaul said, “I have the most cash on hand today. I came out very strong in Q4 with USD 567,000 in cash on hand surpassing all candidates by a lot. They told me I couldn’t do it. They often underestimate you as a woman, as a woman of colour and particularly as they see women. I worked really hard,”
Kaul emphasized the importance of raising awareness and understanding of Sikhism to combat discrimination. She asserted that the backing she receives from the Sikh community, both locally and nationally, adds to the sense of cultural connection and support for her candidacy.
(With PTI inputs)
Kaul, a recognized defense and national security expert, is vying for the US Congress from Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Kaul, who is of mixed Kashmiri Pandit and Punjabi Sikh heritage, emphasized her cultural background and the influence of Sikh traditions on her candidacy.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kaul, proficient in nine languages, highlighted her unique bicultural upbringing in America. “My Nani (grandmother) Vimal Chaddha Malik used to take me to Glen Cove Gurdwara in Long Island, New York. There I would serve langar. I learned a lot about Sikh traditions and the notion of oneness. I’m proud of that. That’s something that has given me a very strong sense of community and giving back and is one of the core values that I embrace in my bid for Congress,” she said.
The 10th Congressional District in Virginia is an open seat as the incumbent, Democrat Jennifer Wexton, is not seeking re-election.
Acknowledging the historical significance of Dalip Singh Saund, the first Sikh elected to the US House of Representatives in 1957, Kaul noted the underrepresentation of the Sikh community in American politics. Streeding on the need for Sikh representation, Kaul said, “This group definitely needs representation. Of course, there have been a lot of cases of discrimination against Sikhs, which is very unfortunate”
Highlighting her financial strength, Kaul said, “I have the most cash on hand today. I came out very strong in Q4 with USD 567,000 in cash on hand surpassing all candidates by a lot. They told me I couldn’t do it. They often underestimate you as a woman, as a woman of colour and particularly as they see women. I worked really hard,”
Kaul emphasized the importance of raising awareness and understanding of Sikhism to combat discrimination. She asserted that the backing she receives from the Sikh community, both locally and nationally, adds to the sense of cultural connection and support for her candidacy.
(With PTI inputs)