Mission Khalsa: To serve and protect, in America

HOSHIARPUR: It's just what the Guru ordered to protect others' life and property from the perpetrators of violence. And fulfilling the Khalsa's mandate are none other than two American-turned-Sikhs, Daya Singh Khalsa and Gurutej Singh Khalsa, founders of Akal Security Inc, a non-profit organisation. The Sikh-run organisation is the fourth largest private security agency of the world providing security to vital US military installations across eight states with contracts for 400 houses worth $854 million in 44 states, including the federal court house in Manhattan and to Department of Homeland Security besides providing a secure environment to private corporate, airports and water supply department.On behalf of Federal Protective Service, it provides security to 150 federal buildings and offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. Akal, meaning 'timeless' in Sikh scriptures, has business orders worth over US $1 billion. The New Mexico-based company has its headquarters in Santa Cruz, just south of Espaqola. Followers of 'Sikh Dharma' founded by the late Harbhajan Singh Yogi, Daniel Cohn and his partner converted their names to Daya Singh Khalsa and Gurutej Singh Khalsa, respectively. "When we founded Akal Security, Inc in 1980, Siri Singh Sahib Yogiji was our main inspiration and he gave us very valuable advice. It was his suggestion that our uniform be khaki. We added the blue highlights in recognition of Guru Gobind Singh though the word Akal is inspired from Guru Hargobind, the Sixth guru", said Gurutej Singh co-founder. Gurutej Singh, co-founder, told TNN that while forming the company they wanted to pick a name that was reflective of Sikh heritage. "The name 'Akal' we felt, would protect our personnel in the field and we are happy to report that in 25 years we have never lost an officer in the line of duty as the Guru's blessings are with us."