First Indian-American Congressman's portrait unveiled

Washington, Nov 8 (UNI) A portrait of Dalip Singh Saund, the first Indian-American Congressman, was unveiled at a ceremony in the Congress Building here.

The family members of the late law-maker were present on the occasion last night, along with several Congressmen, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Democratic Congressman Joe Wilson, in a statement said, ''After three years, I am so grateful that this honour has been properly bestowed upon the Honourable Dalip Singh Saund.

''As the first Indian-American ever elected to the House of Representatives, Congressman Saund has played a vital role in the great history of this body,'' he said.

Saund was a member of the US House of Representatives from the state of California from January 3, 1957 to January 3, 1963. He became the first Indian-American and Sikh member of the US Congress.

Born in Chhajulwadi, Punjab, India, he received his bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Punjab in 1919.

Saund immigrated to the US, originally to study agriculture at the University of California. He obtained a master's degree (1922) and a PhD (1924), both in mathematics. He, thereafter, remained in the US, becoming a successful farmer.

UNI