TURLOCK, California, USA—After months of planning, a new walkway honoring the local Indian community was formally unveiled Wednesday morning.
A winding path through the northeast storm basin, located on Christoffersen Parkway where it becomes Zeering Road, will henceforth be known as Singh Walkway. A sign bearing the “Singh Walkway” name now stands on Zeering Road.
Dr. Ram Saini, the local man who spearheaded the naming of Singh Walkway, said it was time the local Indian-American community was recognized for its impact, running local businesses, working as doctors, and contributing to the economy.
“This place is going to be staying forever,” Saini said. “It’s a memory, it’s a legacy that our children will see.”
Saini, who has lived in Turlock since 1971, noted the Indian-American community is growing larger every day. The local climate, similar to that of Punjab, attracts many Indians, he said.
The Singh Walkway name is derived from the link to Punjab, where Sikhism is the dominant religion. Singh is a middle, or last name used by nearly all Sikh men, and some Hindu communities as well.
Saini donated the funding to construct the Singh Walkway sign.
Roughly 50 people attended Wednesday’s unveiling of Singh Walkway, including Turlock Mayor John Lazar.
“Turlock is a city of many cultures and of people who come together and do what’s right for our community,” Lazar said shortly before cutting a ribbon.
Representatives from the Turlock Sikh Temple conducted a brief ritual and prayed over the new sign. Food was donated by Nagina Palace, a local Indian restaurant.
Lazar was awarded with the highest honor the Sikh Temple can bestow for his role in making Singh Walkway a reality.
