Supporting the designation of Vaisakhi, April 14 of each year, as "National Sikh Day".

IV 118TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 275 Supporting the designation of Vaisakhi, April 14 of each year, as ‘‘National Sikh Day’’. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APRIL 3, 2023 Ms. SCANLON (for herself, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. TONKO, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. PALLONE, and Mr. VALADAO) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Ac- countability RESOLUTION Supporting the designation of Vaisakhi, April 14 of each year, as ‘‘National Sikh Day’’. Whereas the United States is enriched by the diversity of its residents, who have cultivated a climate of social toler- ance and intellectual pluralism that has sustained the Nation throughout its history; Whereas the Sikh community, which originated in Punjab, India, and began immigrating into the United States over 100 years ago, has played an important role in devel- oping the United States; Whereas Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion with nearly 30,000,000 adherents, roughly 1,000,000 of whom call the United States home; VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 03, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR275.IH HR275 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 275 IH Whereas, founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradi- tion is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God; Whereas believing that every person shares a connection through the oneness of God, the Sikh community emerged as a force for social justice by encouraging fe- male participation in religious services and initiating interfaith efforts to combat oppression and injustice; Whereas the Sikh religion’s central principles of truthful liv- ing, service to humanity, and devotion to God also inspire its believers to create inclusive communities where all are respected; Whereas through leading charitable events, the Sikh commu- nity embodies the sense of public service that underlies the founding principles of the United States; Whereas the people of the United States feel obliged to honor the Sikh community’s important role in supporting and enriching the social fabric of the Nation; Whereas Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi on the first day of the month of Vaisakh in the Sikh calendar, which typically falls on April 14; Whereas Vaisakhi is a special occasion in which Sikhs re- member the founding in 1699 of the Order of Khalsa, a fellowship of devout saint-soldier Sikhs, by the 10th Sikh Guru to fight tyranny and oppression, which played an important role in shaping the religion’s history and iden- tity; and Whereas it is altogether fitting and proper to celebrate the day of Vaisakhi alongside Sikhs throughout the world VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 03, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR275.IH HR275 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 275 IH and to honor the lasting contributions made by the Sikh community to the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports 1 the designation of ‘‘National Sikh Day’’ to honor and cele- 2 brate the important role played by the Sikh community 3 in strengthening and inspiring the people of the United 4 States. 5 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:43 Apr 03, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR275.IH HR275 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS