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A multi-media museum celebrating
more than 100 years of the Punjabi community in the US opened in the
community-dominated Yuba City in California recently. A brainchild of the
Punjabi American Heritage Society (PAHS), the multimedia museum, the first of
its kind in the US, highlights the contribution of the Punjabi community to
the social fabric of their adopted land. "The museum is a multi-media
record of the challenges and successes of generations of Punjabi Americans. It
documents the hardships they faced on their arrival in California in the early
twentieth century and their journey to 'Becoming American'," according to
prominent community leader Jasbir Kang. In his message to the community on
the occasion, California Governor Jerry Brown said, "Showcasing the story
of the Punjabi American and South Asian migration to the United States is a
valuable and needed resource for current and future generations. "I
congratulate all the individuals and families along with the Punjabi American
Heritage Society of Yuba City for their dedication and hard work for the
successful completion of this project." California assembly members Jim
Nielsen and Dan Logue, County supervisors Jim Whiteaker, Larry Munger and Stan
Cleveland, Yuba City Council member Tej Mann and former Yuba City mayors Kash
Gill and Rory Ramirez were among the hundreds who attended the opening
ceremony. In a press release, the organisers said: "Since 9/11, Sikhs
and South Asians have borne the brunt of mistaken identity by racist attacks,
assaults and even murder. Through this exhibit, PAHS tells the story of
Punjabis that have a long tradition of contributing to the success of their
local communities. "The story of the Punjabis, the Sikhs and the South
Asians is the same as that of the Irish, the Italians and the Polish before
them; it is an American story." Yuba City was one of the first
destinations of Punjabi immigrants to the US in the early 20th century. Known
as Punjab da Pind, the city has the largest concentration of the Punjabi
community in the US and boasts of many gurdwaras, temples and even a mosque.
— IANS
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