PRINTER'S NO. 1245
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
199
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY DiGIROLAMO AND QUINN, APRIL 8, 2019
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 8, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Designating April 14, 2019, as "Sikh Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The cultural and intellectual diversity of the
Commonwealth is a source of strength and inspiration for its
people; and
WHEREAS, The Sikh community continues to play an integral,
though often overlooked, role in strengthening the religious,
social and political fabric of this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is the world's fifth largest religion with
nearly 30 million adherents, roughly 500,000 of whom call the
United States home; and
WHEREAS, Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India
during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradition is rooted
in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex
or creed, is equal before God; and
WHEREAS, The basic principles of the Sikh religion include
social, gender and human equality, along with sharing and caring
for others and defending the weak; and
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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 female participation in
religious services and initiating interfaith efforts to combat
oppression and injustice; and
WHEREAS, The religion's central principles of truthful
living, service to humanity, and devotion to God also inspire
its believers to create inclusive communities where all are
respected; and
WHEREAS, Through leading charitable events, the Sikh
community embodies the sense of public service that underlies
this country's founding principles; and
WHEREAS, The people of Pennsylvania honor the Sikh
community's important role in supporting and enriching the
social fabric of this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi on the first day of the
month of Vaisakh in the Sikh calendar, which typically falls on
April 14th; and
WHEREAS, Vaisakhi is a special occasion in which Sikhs
remember the founding in 1699 of the Khalsa Panth, a fellowship
of devout saint soldiers, which played an important role in
shaping the religion's history and identity; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper for the people of
Pennsylvania to celebrate the day of Vaisakhi alongside Sikhs
throughout the world and to honor the lasting contributions made
by the Sikh community in this Commonwealth; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate April
14, 2019, as "Sikh Day" in Pennsylvania.
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