"I want to extend my best wishes to all our Sikh friends, across the United States and around the world, who this weekend are observing the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru," Obama said in a statement yesterday.
"This sacred time is an occasion to reflect on Guru Nanak's timeless teachings and the principles that are at the heart of Sikhism, including the equality of all human beings, the pluralism we cherish in diverse societies and the compassion we owe one another," he said.
The Sikh community in the US welcomed Obama's greetings on the occasion.
"We truly appreciate President Obama's gesture to greet us on this auspicious anniversary. He and his administration has shown particular respect for Sikhs and their religious observances," Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education Rajwant Singh, said.
"Equality, pluralism and compassion are the central core of Guru Nanak's vision for the world and we have seen with keen interest how President has tried to implement these principles during his governance in the last five years," Singh further added.