Sikhs and Sikhi in the United States
The Porterville College Cultural and Historical Awareness Program (CHAP) is pleased to announce an upcoming presentation by distinguished scholar Dr. Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal, PhD, focusing on the rich and often untold history of Sikhs in the United States.
Dr. Bainiwal will present “Sikhs and Sikhi in the United States” on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM at the PC Theater.
The presentation will delve into the history of Sikhs and the Sikh faith (Sikhi) in the United States, tracing their presence from the early 1900s to the present day. Dr. Bainiwal will place a special emphasis on the community’s history and contributions within California, a region with deep ties to early Sikh immigration. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the community's resilience, cultural impact, and ongoing journey in America.
Dr. Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal is a prominent scholar whose research merges the fields of Sikhism, Asian American history, and religion in America. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of the Sikh American experience.
A co-editor of two special issue journals—Remembering Sikh North American History (Sikh Formations, 2024) and The Sikhs in America: Faith, Resilience, and Power (The San Joaquin Historian, 2023)—Dr. Bainiwal has also published the book A Brief History of Sikhs in America (2023) in Punjabi.
Beyond his academic work, Dr. Bainiwal is an active historian and preservationist. He serves as a researcher, historian, and assistant secretary for the historical Stockton Gurdwara (Stockton Sikh Temple) and is on the board for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation. His preservation efforts include working on the designations of the San Joaquin Gurdwara and the Vermont Gurdwara (Hollywood Sikh Temple).
Event Details:
What: “Sikhs and Sikhi in the United States” Presentation
Who: Dr. Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal, PhD
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM
Where: PC Theater
