On September 17, 2025, Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) will announce the recipient of the Dalip Singh Saund Award at its 2025 Unity Summit. The award is given to a civic or political leader who has made a demonstrable impact in the community.
The award draws attention to the remarkable journey of Dalip Singh Saund, whose life is testament to the enduring power of perseverance and the transformative potential of civic engagement. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1957 to 1963. He was the first Sikh, Indian American, and first Asian American elected to the United States Congress. Saund represented California’s 29th congressional district, which at the time consisted of Imperial and Riverside counties.
Arriving in the United States from India in the early 20th century, Saund faced immediate challenges. His family’s sacrifices in sending him to America, a land then under the sway of opportunity, were met with the harsh realities of discrimination and restrictive alien laws. The dreams of a promising future were quickly countered by the struggle to find employment and overcome systemic barriers. The stark contrast between his homeland, then under British rule, and the promise of America, coupled with the difficulties of finding work, served to fuel his determination.
Initially working as a cotton sack sorter, far removed from his aspirations, Saund’s resilience shone through. He learned to adapt, utilizing his experience in farming to lease land, despite legal limitations against land ownership for non-citizens. While his initial ventures faced setbacks, including a failed lettuce harvest, these experiences only sharpened his resolve and propelled him towards community involvement.
Saund’s journey highlights the importance of civic engagement. His participation in the Toastmasters Club, culminating in his presidency, showcased his burgeoning leadership skills and provided a platform to connect with others and mobilize the community. This naturally led to involvement in the County Democratic Party Central Committee. He actively engaged in grassroots organizing, demonstrating his commitment to representing the needs and concerns of ordinary people.
The achievement of his naturalized citizenship in 1949 was a pivotal moment, marking a new chapter in his American journey. He immediately ran for and won a seat on the Imperial County Democratic Central Committee, unopposed, showcasing the trust and respect he had cultivated within his community. This early political success served as a springboard for his later achievements.
His rise through the ranks of California’s Democratic Party culminated in his historic election to the United States Congress in 1956. This victory, secured with a narrow three-percent margin, shattered barriers and marked a turning point for Indian Americans and Asian Americans alike. Saund became the first Indian American and the first Asian native to serve in Congress, making his journey a potent symbol of possibility.
The Association of American University Colleges (AAUC) has rightfully recognized Saund’s profound impact, establishing an award in his honor. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of a better future requires not just determination, but also active participation in the democratic process. His story inspires us to continue advocating for equality, justice, and the active participation of all communities in building a stronger and more inclusive society.
