Saund, Dalip Singh (1899-1973), was an Indian-born United States member of the House of Representatives. Saund was the first Asian American, first Indian American, and first Sikh elected to serve in Congress. 
Saund was born Sept. 20, 1899, in Chhajjal Waddi, India, east of Amritsar. After earning a degree from the University of Punjab, Saund emigrated to the United States in 1920. He earned a doctorate degree in mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley. Saund found work as a farmer in Southern California. A friend had to sign a deed on Saund’s behalf, as laws kept Asian immigrants from owning land.
In the 1940’s, Saund organized the India Association of America, an advocacy group focused on changing the laws prohibiting Indian immigrants from obtaining citizenship. Their efforts were successful, and President Harry S. Truman signed a bill offering citizenship to Indian and Filipino immigrants in 1946. In 1949, Saund officially became a citizen, and in 1950, he began his first campaign for elected office. Saund faced anti-Sikh and anti-Indian prejudice during the campaign to be a local judge. He won the election, but a higher court vacated his victory because he had not yet been a citizen for a year. He successfully ran for the same office in 1952.
In 1956, Saund was elected to represent California’s 29th Congressional District, covering Southeastern California, in the United States House of Representatives. His campaign literature included an endorsement from future president John F. Kennedy. During his tenure as a member of the House, Saund served on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Interior and Insular Affairs Committee. He used his position to strengthen diplomatic ties with India. Saund also served on an interparliamentary group with members of Mexico’s congress to address issues such as immigration and agriculture. Additionally, Saund wrote in support of the growing civil rights movement in the United States.
Saund served for three terms before suffering a stroke in 1962. He died on April 22, 1973, following another stroke.
