March 14, 2017 (New York, NY) - As the global Sikh community prepares to mark Vaisakhi next month, we invite Sikh Americans to help us pass Vaisakhi resolutions in city councils and state legislatures nationwide.
Starting in 2013, the Sikh Coalition worked with Members of Congress to introduce a Vaisakhi resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives. Since then, numerous cities and states have also passed similar resolutions and proclamations to educate our fellow Americans about Sikh history and values. This is an easy way to create positive awareness about our community.
TAKE ACTION
- Contact your local and state representatives
- Ask them to pass a Vaisakhi resolution in April 2017
- Ask them to use the model language below
- Ask them to present the resolution at your local gurdwara on Vaisakhi
- Email the resolution to the Sikh Coalition to post across social media to raise further awareness.
If you need help identifying and contacting your elected officials, such as your local mayor, city council, or state legislator, please send an email to Interim Programs Director Rajdeep Singh at
rajdeep@sikhcoalition.org.
In addition to contacting your local and state representatives, if you want your Member of Congress to sponsor a Vaisakhi resolution, please
call the office of your U.S. representative and ask them to sponsor
House Resolution 189 – a congressional resolution commemorating Vaisakhi.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.
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Resolution Honoring the Sikh American community's celebration of Vaisakhi
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Whereas Sikhism is a religion founded in the Punjab region of South Asia over five centuries ago and introduced to the United States in the 19th century;
Whereas Sikhism is the fifth largest world religion with approximately 25 million adherents from diverse backgrounds throughout the world, including 500,000 adherents in the United States;
Whereas Sikhs in the United States pursue diverse professions and walks of life, making rich contributions to the economic vibrancy of the United States as farmers, engineers, doctors, scientists, and business owners;
Whereas Sikh Americans continue to make strides toward securing religious liberty as patriotic members of the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas Vaisakhi is one of the most religiously significant days in Sikh history, commemorating the creation of the Khalsa, a fellowship of devout Sikhs, by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699;
Whereas the Sikh religion is based on a belief in one God and the equality of all human beings;
Whereas the celebration of Vaisakhi includes performing Seva (selfless service), such as providing free meals to all visitors to Sikh Gurdwaras (Houses of Worship): Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That we wish the Sikh American community a joyous Vaisakhi.
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