PRINTER'S NO. 1188
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
157
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY ZABEL, APRIL 5, 2019
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 5, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of April 2019 as "Sikh Heritage Month" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Sikhism is one of the most widely practiced
religions in the world; and
WHEREAS, Today there are approximately 25 million Sikhs
worldwide and more than 500,000 Sikhs in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more
than 100 years; and
WHEREAS, During the early 20th century, thousands of Sikhs
worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines and on the Oregon
Pacific and Eastern Railroad; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs pursue diverse professions and make rich
contributions to the social, cultural and economic vibrancy of
the United States; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs are members of the United States Armed Forces
and contribute significantly to agriculture, information
technology, small businesses, the hotel industry, trucking,
medicine and technology; and
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WHEREAS, Sikhs have distinguished themselves by fostering
respect among all people through faith and service; and
WHEREAS, This year marks the 550th birth year of the founder
of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and is celebrated as Guru Nanak Prakash
Utsav; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs celebrate four of the main festivals as
Gurupurab; and
WHEREAS, This collective celebration is one of the most
sacred festivals on the Sikh calendar and marks the important
incidents in the lives of the Gurus; and
WHEREAS, Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is one of the most
historically significant days of the year, marking the start a
new year for Sikhs and is celebrated on April 14, 2019; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is committed to educating citizens
about the world's religions, the value of religious diversity,
tolerance grounded in First Amendment principles, a culture of
mutual understanding and the diminution of violence; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth seeks to further the diversity of
its communities and afford all residents the opportunity to
better understand, recognize and appreciate the rich history and
shared experiences of Sikhs; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of April 2019 as "Sikh Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.
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