A historic moment was recorded in Fresno last Thursday when a new elementary school was inaugurated in memory of Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra, who sacrificed his life for human rights.
The school has been named “Jaswant Singh Khalra Academy”. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the local Punjabi community, community leaders, Sikh congregations and school board members. The ceremony commemorated Khalra Sahib’s life, his efforts for justice and his brutal murder in 1995.
Khalra Sahib’s family, his daughter Navkiran Kaur Khalra and wife Bibi Paramjit Kaur Khalra were also present at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The school district presented a plaque of honor to the Khalra family and Bibi Paramjit Kaur Khalra inaugurated the school with her Kar Kamals. On this occasion, Punjabi children of the school also showed the essence of Bhangra, along with dance by Spanish children.
The school “Jaswant Singh Khalra Academy” will have more than 600 students from TK to 6th grade, who will be called “Royals” and the lion will be their symbol.
Principal Raul Diaz said that the school will teach the children to fight for courage, justice and human values along with education.
School Board President Naindeep Singh Chan said that today it is a matter of great pride for the Punjabi community that we have been able to do this historic work with the support of Jaikara Movement and the encouragement of the Sangat. The name of this school itself will become a source of inspiration for the children to follow the path of truth.
School Superintendent Emero Bryan said that this school is not just a building, but a place based on morality, justice and human rights that will keep the Punjabi heritage alive on American soil.
On this occasion, Navkiran Kaur Khalra, daughter of Khalra Sahab, said that today is a very proud day for us, remembering the sacrifice of my father, in his memory, a school in the city of Fresno, California was named after Khalra Sahab. She said that when I first came to America, I came to the city of Fresno. It was here that I did my higher studies at Fresno State University. We are proud of the entire Sikh community and Punjabi community of Fresno, who had the courage to first name the park after Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra and now have created history by naming the school after him. She thanked all the school board members and the Punjabi community for their support. Later, the school principal gave a tour of the school to the Khalra family and all the community members.
