Nearly 150 individuals, including Congressmen and local community members, attended the annual Langar organized by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) at Capitol Hill in Washington DC. The Langar is a Sikh tradition of community dining.

The event, sponsored by the office of Senator Chuck Schumer, New York, also had in attendance, Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congressman Shri Thanedar.

Addressing the gathering about the value of Langar in the context of the Sikh American experience, Kiran Kaur Gill, executive director of SALDEF, said, "Dalip Singh Saund, one of our great pioneers in Congress, to the advocates at SALDEF, Sikh Americans have a long history of innovative community engagement and leadership. The opportunity to eat together, as equals, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of equality and friendship between all people”.

'Langar on the Hill’ serves as a potent reminder of the timeless principles at the heart of the Sikh American experience and their dedication to civic involvement, SALDEF said in a release. The organization noted that the event is a pivotal opportunity for the rising generation to express their vision for a united nation as they deepen their civic participation and leadership. The event presented Sikh values of harmony and equality.

The event was brought together by SikhLEAD interns, a program that gives Sikh American students the ability to practice public service and community leadership in association with numerous congressional and federal offices. SALDEF is the oldest Sikh American advocacy group in the US committed to empowering Sikh Americans by building understanding, fostering dialogue, and encouraging civic and political participation.