Fresno, June 27: An elementary school in Fresno, California, has been named after Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra, a renowned human rights defender who sacrificed his life exposing the widespread, systematic, and state-sponsored enforced disappearances of Sikhs in Punjab. This marks the first time a school in the USA has been named in his honour.
Central Unified School dictrict is making history with the opening of Jaswant Singh Khalra Elementary School, the first elementary School in the United States named after a Punjabi Hero. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday morning at the new campus on 4061 W. Fountain Way in Fresno.
Central Unified School District says the new school reflects its commitment to honouring diverse voices and celebrating community heroes who inspire young people to stand for what is right.
Historic moment for Punjabi-Americans
District leaders say this event is a proud moment not just for Fresno but also for Punjabi-Americans. The school honors Jaswant Singh Khalra a human rights activist from Punjab, India, Known worldwide for his courage in fighting for the voiceless.
“This is more than just the opening of a school, it’s a celebration of inclusion, justice, and the values that bring communities together,” the district said.
Who was Jaswant Singh Khalra
Khalra is best remembered for exposing thousands of disappearances in India during the 1980s and 1990s. His work to reveal these human rights abuses ultimately cost him his life. He remains a symbol of bravery and sacrifice in the fight against injustice.