A bipartisan Congressional resolution, highlighting Sikh community's "tremendous contributions" in the US, has greeted people across the globe on the occasion of Baisakhi.
"America's founding ideals of freedom of worship, equality, and justices are reflected in the Sikh American community's celebration of Baisakhi. With this Resolution, I am saying thank you and wishing Sikhs across America and around the world a joyous Baisakhi," said Congressman John Garamendi, the lead sponsor of the resolution and Co-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
Garamendi along with other legislators and civil rights' advocates recently welcomed the FBI's inclusion of Sikhs, Hindus, and Arab Americans in its hate crime tracking manual, a change they had pushed for.
Garamendi's office is presenting the manual to police departments in his district.
"We are grateful to the resolution sponsors for highlighting the valuable contributions of the Sikh American community," said Rajdeep Singh, senior director of Law and Policy at the Sikh Coalition.
Noting that Sikhs are an "integral part" of the American fabric, Singh invited fellow Americans to learn more about Sikhism by visiting local Gurdwaras and partnering in community service projects.
"This resolution is a well-deserved tribute to the tremendous contributions the Sikh community makes to our nation and it's my honour to co-sponsor this resolution in my capacity as co-chair of the American-Sikh congressional caucus," said Congressman Patrick Meehan, Co-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
"Sikh Americans have made enormous contributions to the Central Valley and Baisakhi presents us with a perfect reminder of their influence within our communities," said Congressman David G Valadao, Vice-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
"It is always my honour to join the Sikh community in celebrating the birth of the Khalsa. I am proud to be a cosposonsor of this legislation which recognises the significant contributions of the Sikh community in spreading tolerance and understanding," said Congresswoman Judy Chu, Vice-Chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
The resolution was cosponsored by Congressmen Patrick Meehan, Judy Chu, David Valadao, Joe Crowley, Ami Bera, Doug LaMalfa, Barbara Lee, Mike Honda, Jackie Speier, Shelia Jackson Lee, Raul Grijalva, Hank Johnson, Jim McDemott, Brenda Lawrence and Eric Swalwell.
