By Sanjeev Bariana
Chandigarh. Updated: 12:52 PM, May 03, 2026 IST
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stood with the Sikh Officers Association to observe Vaisakhi and Khalsa Sajna Diwas, honoring the Khalsa’s founding principles of justice, courage and selfless service.
Mamdani said he was ‘humbled by the Sikh officers who carry these values into our streets every day,’ and invoked ‘Nirbhau Nirvair — without fear, without hate,’ wishing the community a happy Vaisakhi.
The mayor has also used recent high-profile moments to press for historical justice: during King Charles’ visit to the United States he urged the United Kingdom to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The gem passed through Mughal, Persian and Afghan hands and was transferred to Britain in 1849 after a treaty involving Maharaja Duleep Singh.
Mamdani shared images and a short message of the Vaisakhi observance on social media. In a 2023 post he pledged to oppose violence and hate against Sikh New Yorkers and to ‘educate, to protect and to continuously be a part of this community.’
He also took part in a Manhattan march on April 25 celebrating Sikh heritage and culture.
