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The Sikhs of America USA, in partnership with Muslims of America, hosted a community reception for visiting Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on July 28, 2026, in Columbia, Maryland.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Khader said he was delighted to be in Maryland and thanked everyone who attended the reception. Khader, who landed in the United States last week to receive the Civic Leadership Award at the 15th Annual American Multi Ethnic Commission (AMEC) Gala in Illinois, expressed gratitude for the warmth and support shown by the community.
“The hospitality and affection shown by all Americans who are settled here cannot be forgotten forever,” he said, adding that such experiences inspire him to return despite his busy schedule.
A five-term member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Khader has served in several leadership positions, including Minister for Food, Housing, and Urban Development. He also served as Speaker and Deputy Leader of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.
Khader thanked the event’s hosts, Jesse Singh, Sajid Tarar, and Aisha Khan, as well as community leaders Elisha Pulivarti, Rajan Natarajan, Anand Poojary, and others for organizing the reception.
The Minister said that bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and building strong networks would benefit society as well as future generations. He also emphasized that cooperation among people of different faiths for the betterment of humanity would benefit society and the world, especially at a time when such unity is needed more than ever.
“We have an equal mindset of working together. I always say the policy of a country is important, but more important is an individual’s personality and thinking,” he said, adding that while the policies of America and India may differ, it is important that Indians and Americans work together.
“Automatically, policy of the countries will change in the days to come,” he added. “It is our primary duty to exchange our views.”
Khader also stressed the importance of respecting the culture and heritage of every religion and every country, saying such values help shape the character of younger generations. He said the ultimate goal is to guide young people toward leading happy and peaceful lives without unnecessary stress.
Drawing on his experience as Health Minister, Khader said that he has seen how “sickness” often results from “stress,” and urged people to treat one another with love and respect. He added that a nation’s strength should not be measured solely by its skyscrapers, gross domestic product, or economic power, but by the unity and diversity of its people.
He said the present generation has a responsibility to create a peaceful and positive world for future generations.
“Our primary duty” is to build a better society, he said, expressing hope that his message from Maryland would reach communities across the United States and around the world.
“World is a global village,” he said, encouraging people to share positive messages that can inspire others to become better citizens.
Khader cited the example of Swami Vivekananda, whose message of Indian tradition and culture reached not only the United States but audiences around the world.
Reflecting on his visit to the Center for Social Change (CSC) in Elkridge, Maryland, Khader described the organization as “one of the best” and commended the efforts of its founders, Jesse Singh and Sajid Tarar.
Impressed by the care provided to individuals with autism at CSC, the Health Minister said he has long believed that first-time young offenders should visit autism centers, cancer hospitals, and mental health facilities instead of being sent directly to jail.
“They’ll transform themselves,” he emphasized, adding that such exposure could prevent them from becoming hardened criminals.
Speaking to South Asian Herald about Khader’s visit to CSC, Singh said, “He was very happy to see the program that we have for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, children with autism.”
Singh added that the Minister remarked the program was “very much needed” in both Karnataka and India.
“We are looking forward to visiting Bangalore in near future and see how we can help increase the services for autistic children in Karnataka,” he added.
Singh, chairman of Sikhs of America USA, said he was pleased to host the Minister.
“This makes us very proud, and he’s representing India’s true secular beliefs. We are so happy and proud to welcome him,” he said, noting that Khader is from a minority community and represents Muslims in India.
Tarar, chairman of Muslims of America, said he was “humbled and honored” to welcome the Karnataka Minister. He noted that the reception brought together people of different faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, describing the gathering as a reflection of brotherhood and harmony.
Aisha Khan, president of Muslims of America, also commended Khader’s efforts to promote unity and diversity.
Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, president of AMEC, described the reception in the Washington metropolitan area as “meaningful” and said he believes it will produce positive outcomes.
“The Minister’s visit here will be good for strengthening the bonds between Karnataka and Maryland, and overall, India and U.S. partnership,” added Dr. Prabhakar.
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