OHIO — Vikramjit Sandhu won the November 2023 election for Richfield Township fiscal officer in Ohio, securing 64 percent of the vote. Sandhu, a small-business owner and former Merchant Navy officer, campaigned door-to-door in Richfield during October 2023.
The Sikh faith originated in the Punjab region of northwest India in the 15th century. Ohio's Sikh community established its first gurdwara in the 1980s, located in Richfield. Gurdwaras include a langar hall, which provides free community meals. By 2025, Ohio had nearly 10 gurdwaras, including Gurudwara Dashmesh Darbar in Solon, which hosts turban-tying workshops for children. A former community church building in Ohio now operates as a gurdwara.
Photographer Akash Pamarthy has photographed members of the Sikh religion in Ohio since 2023. Pamarthy said, "The Sikh faith is deeply community-oriented, grounded in equality, resilience and service." He added, "Sikhs stand tall and support one another through every challenge." In Sikh culture, the turban represents discipline, respect, and a visible expression of faith. The Guru Granth Sahib serves as the eternal Sikh guru, and Guru Nanak, who founded the Sikh faith, established the langar tradition. Making roti is a daily ritual in Sikh culinary and cultural life. Traditional Sikh wedding ceremonies include the Baraat procession and the Chooda ceremony, where the bride receives red and ivory bangles.
Sukhvir Singh Grewal is Ohio's first and only turbaned police officer. More than half of Ohio's Sikh community is connected to the trucking industry. Rajinder Singh Brar drives a commercial truck between Bedford and Sandusky, Ohio. Sandhu is a candidate for Ohio's 35th District state House seat in 2026.
No independent assessment was available for this report.