Whereas, The passing on January 23, 2000, of Ajmer Singh Malhi, a fierce leader of the portable classroom dubbed "Malhiland," a dedicated man of the temple, a dear confidant, and a father, brought immense sorrow and loss to people throughout the State of California; and

Whereas, Ajmer Malhi's family and fellow Sikhs, his students and fellow teachers from Skyline High School in Oakland, and several Bay Area politicians came to praise and bid farewell to the 48-year old Oakland mathematics teacher and Martinez resident; and

Whereas, He was devoted to his family , his religion, his people, and his students, and he was renowned as a great teacher, a noble Sikh, a martyr, a holy man, a union activist, and a community leader, all attributes that distinguished him as a great Sikh; and

Whereas, Mr. Malhi came to the United States from India's northern state of Punjab more than 20 years ago and helped the families of his five brothers follow; and

Whereas, He was well -known for his efforts to help build the hillside temple, which today boasts of 2,000 members from throughout the East Bay; and

Whereas, Mr. Malhi was there for his students, before and after school, demonstrating to the students that he was there and he cared; and

Whereas, He was a member of the Oakland Education Association Executive Board and its bargaining team; and

Whereas, The high esteem in which he was held by his loving family, his numerous friends, and other individuals fortunate enough to have known him stands as a testament for others who strive for the best in personal, professional, and community life, and his memory will live forever in the hearts and minds of those people who knew him; and

Whereas, He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his legacy, his wife, Sukhwinder; his daughter, Jasdeep, his sons, Satinder and Maninder, and his father, Harcharan Singh Malhi; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by Assembly Member Tom Torlakson and Senator Don Perata, The exemplary life, outstanding achievements, and illustrious record of professional accomplishment and civic achievement of Ajmer Singh Malhi be memorialized henceforth and hereafter, and that his bereaved family and friends be extended heartfelt sympathy.

Members Resolution No. 542

Dated this 4th day of February, 2000