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A Voice for the Silent

by Mallika Kaur Sarkaria on September 17, 2008 in Features

Public service gives a voice to those suffering in silence.

After 9/11, South Asians, and certain other religious and ethnic minority groups in America, became targets of suspicion. They were stereotyped and mistrusted, despite having embraced the American Dream.

A member of the Sikh community, I began working with The Sikh Coalition to address the hate crimes, employment discrimination, and civil rights violations threatening the Sikh American community.

The Coalition brought together local law enforcement officers and government officials with residents in New York’s Sikh immigrant neighborhoods. We enabled the community to find its voice, and to work, as a collective, to affect change. It was democracy in action, and before long, a difference was being made.

As a country, the United States benefits from the dogged work of public servants who will never be famous; those who will never have glory. Their joy is in the privilege of service. In their fight for rights, they give dignity to others. They let nothing prevent them from taking every opportunity to engage with and lend a voice to those who need to be heard.

Written by Mallika Kaur Sarkaria · Filed Under Features 

Mallika Sarkaria (MPP/JD) is pursuing a joint degree at HKS and UC Berkeley School of Law. She focuses on South Asian human rights issues, particularly gender justice and protection of religious and ethnic minorities. She has worked on post 9/11 issues affecting minority communities and also worked full-time as a Community Liaison with The Sikh Coalition, a community-based civil rights organization.

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