News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Cook County Proclaims April 2026 As Sikh Awareness And Appreciation Month I n a significant recognition of the rich heritage, contributions, and values of the Sikh community, the Cook County Board of Commissioners has officially proclaimed April 2026 as Sikh Aware- ness and Appreciation Month. The resolu- tion was sponsored by Kevin B. Morrison and approved under the leadership of Board President Toni Preckwinkle, accord- ing to an April 27, 2026, press release. This proclamation acknowledges over 120 years of Sikh presence in the United States and highlights the community’s enduring contributions to the nation’s growth—ranging from early labor in agriculture, railroads, and lumber indus- tries to present-day leadership across professions including medicine, technol- ogy, business, armed forces, and public service. The resolution also commemorates the historical and spiritual significance of Sikh traditions, including Sikh Sajna Diwas, marking the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, and the celebration of Vaisakhi, reinforcing values of courage, equality, service, and unity. It further notes that Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion, with over 25 mil- lion followers globally and an estimated 500,000 Sikhs in the United States, includ- ing more than 25,000 in Illinois. Importantly, the proclamation empha- sizes the Sikh community’s unwavering commitment to service, equality, and respect for all humanity, while reaffirm- ing Cook County’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and standing firmly against discrimination and violence. The resolution also specifically recog- nizes key community leaders and organi- zations, including Gurmeet Singh Dhal- wan , Founder President of the Midwest Punjabi Association, for their continued efforts in uplifting and uniting the Sikh community. The event was attended by several Sikh community leaders representing various organizations including Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan, Founder President of Midwest Punjabi Association; Bhai Bhagat Singh Dhalwan, Mentor of Midwest Punjabi As- sociation (MPA), Prachi Jaitly-of Midwest Punjabi As- sociation (MPA), T. Paul S. Chawla-of Midwest Punjabi Association (MPA), Bhai Mohinder Singh, Amarjeet Singh-Illinois Sikh Community Center, Jasbir Kaur Mann of Swera, Tarlochan Singh-Sikh Religious Society, Onkar Singh Sangha And Gurleen Kaur Sangha-PTC TV who expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Commissioner Kevin Morrison and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle for this meaningful recognition. Sharing his thoughts on this milestone, Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan said, “We are truly grateful to Cook County for this thoughtful and meaningful recognition. This proclamation is a beautiful initiative that embraces and honors the Sikh com- munity—known for its resilience, spirit of seva (selfless service), and unwavering commitment to humanity. Such gestures not only celebrate our contributions but also strengthen the fabric of inclusion and understanding. We look forward to many more milestones like this in the future.” Expressing pride on this milestone, Prachi Jaitly, General Secretary of the Mid- west Punjabi Association, stated: “This proclamation is a moment of im- mense pride for all of us. It not only hon- ors the contributions of the Sikh commu- nity but also strengthens awareness and understanding of our values, history, and service to society. We are deeply grateful to Commissioner Morrison and President Preckwinkle for this recognition.” The Midwest Punjabi Association views this proclamation as a meaningful step to- ward fostering greater cultural awareness and appreciation, and remains committed to continuing its efforts in community service, cultural education, and unity. By Prachi Jaitly, Special to Desi Talk PHOTOS:COURTESY PRACHI JAITLY Members of the Midwest Pubjabi Association hold up the Procalamation issued by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Ill. April 27, 2026. Naperville Robotics Team Wins State’s Top Honor, Advances To World Championship A team of young innovators from Naperville has earned top recog- nition in competitive robotics, securing a place on the global stage after winning the highest honor at the Illinois state level. BoostPlus Academy’s Boost+ Robotics Team 32356B captured the prestigious Excellence Award at the Illinois State VEX IQ Championship held in March 2026, qualifying them to represent Illinois at the VEX IQWorld Championship scheduled for April 28–29 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Excellence Award is considered the top distinction in VEX IQ Robotics competitions, recognizing all-around per- formance in robot design, programming, teamwork, engineering documentation and match results. The achievement is particularly notable as all five members of Team 32356B are first-time competitors who began their robotics journey in October 2025. Within months, the team advanced to become one of the top elementary-level robotics teams in the state. The students were guided by coach Ms. Mongelli, along with mentors Ms. Mili Srivastava and Ms. Kanika Talwar. Their leadership helped develop the team’s technical abilities, collaboration skills and confidence in STEM fields. “This achievement reflects the power of structured learning, mentorship, and the incredible potential of young minds,” the Boost+ Robotics leadership team said in a statement. “To see first-time competi- tors reach the world stage and represent Illinois is truly inspiring.” The upcoming world championship will bring together top robotics teams from across the globe, highlighting in- novation, engineering excellence and collaboration among students. BoostPlus Academy, founded by Mili Srivastava and based in Naperville, fo- cuses on hands-on education in robotics, STEM, entrepreneurship and leadership development. Its Boost+ Robotics pro- gram offers year-round training, summer camps and a competitive pathway that progresses from local events to state and international championships, primarily serving students in grades three through eight. By Prachi Jaitly, Special to Desi Talk PHOTOS:COURTESY PRACHI JAITLLY Naperville’s Boost+ Robotics Team 32356B advances to the VEX IQ World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, after winning the Illinois State Excellence Award. News India Times (May 2, 2026 - May 8, 2026) May 8, 2026 8 Community