PRINTER'S NO. 1608
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
283
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY KEARNEY, HUGHES, MARTIN, FONTANA, STREET, KANE AND
COSTA, APRIL 21, 2022
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, APRIL 21, 2022
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of April 2022 as "Sikh Awareness and
Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania to promote public
awareness of the Sikh faith and recognize the important
contributions of the Sikh community.
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is enriched by the diversity of
its residents, who have cultivated a climate of social tolerance
and intellectual pluralism that has sustained Pennsylvania
throughout its history; and
WHEREAS, The Sikh community, which originated in Punjab,
India, and began immigrating into the United States more than
100 years ago, has played an important role in developing this
country and Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is the world's fifth largest religion with
nearly 30 million adherents worldwide, including roughly 700,000
in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century, the Sikh
monotheistic tradition teaches its adherents to practice the
universal principles of truthful living, service to humanity and
devotion to God; and
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WHEREAS, Believing that every human being, regardless of
race, gender or creed, is equal in the eyes of God, Sikhism
emerged as a pioneer of social justice; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism widely encourages female participation in
religious ceremonies and interfaith efforts to fight oppression
regularly suffered; and
WHEREAS, The religion's emphasis on loving service to
humanity inspires Sikhs to make lasting social contributions,
such as providing free food to the less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, Despite their progressive principles and charitable
deeds, the American-Sikh community commonly experiences
discrimination, often by individuals who are unaware of the
beliefs and practices of the faith; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 60% of Americans admit to knowing nothing
about the religion or its practitioners; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs disproportionately experience school bullying,
with estimates indicating that more than 50% of all Sikh
children, and roughly 67% of turbaned Sikh children, endure
physical or verbal abuse at school; and
WHEREAS, National rates of anti-Sikh bigotry rose
dramatically following the September 11th terrorist attacks; and
WHEREAS, Deadly assaults against the Sikh community, such as
the hate-inspired murder of six worshipers at the Sikh Temple of
Wisconsin in August 2012, are all-too-common occurrences across
the country; and
WHEREAS, Although the Sikh community continues to peacefully
overcome each attack on its cultural identity, public awareness
of the Sikh faith and memorializing the lasting contributions of
its Sikh residents is essential; and
WHEREAS, During the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh
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Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines and on the
Oregon, Pacific and Eastern Railroad; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions and make
rich contributions to the social, cultural and economic vibrancy
of the United States, including service as members of the United
States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, Significant contributions to our great nation in
agriculture, information technology, small businesses, the hotel
industry, trucking, medicine and technology are made by Sikh
Americans; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans distinguish themselves by fostering
respect among all people through faith and service; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is committed to educating
residents 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, Vaisakhi, the annual festival held in April to
commemorate the creation of the Khalsa Panth, a fellowship of
devout Sikhs, is one of the most important Sikh holidays;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of April 2022
as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania to
promote public awareness of the Sikh faith and recognize the
important contributions of the Sikh community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That Pennsylvanians celebrate the Sikh community
and combat anti-Sikh bigotry.
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