 
Assembly Resolution No. 321
 
BY: M. of A. Weprin
 
        CELEBRATING  the festival of Vaisakhi on April 13,
        2017
 
  WHEREAS, On April 13, 2017, members of the Sikh community are coming
together in New York and around the world to celebrate Vaisakhi, one  of
the most important dates on the Sikh calendar; and
 
  WHEREAS,  Sikhism  is  the fifth-largest religion in the world, with
more than 25 million adherents, including an estimated  700,000  in  the
United  States;  the  majority  of  Sikhs live in the Punjab province of
India, in the region where the religion was founded in the 15th  Century
by Guru Nanak Dev; and
 
  WHEREAS,  A  monotheistic  faith,  Sikhism  teaches  respect for all
people, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background; it stresses
the importance of  doing  good  in  the  world  and  demonstrating  such
positive  values  as humility, diligence, generosity, and self-sacrifice
in daily life; and
 
  WHEREAS, Vaisakhi celebrates the founding in 1699 of the devout Sikh
fellowship known as the Khalsa; Guru Gobind Singh bestowed on all Khalsa
men the surname Singh, meaning "lion," as a reminder to  be  courageous,
and  women  accepted  the  surname  Kaur,  or  "princess,"  to emphasize
dignity; and
 
  WHEREAS, The first Sikhs came to the United States in the  1890s  to
build  railroads, work on California farms, or labor in the lumber mills
of the Pacific Northwest; since then, Sikh Americans  in  all  walks  of
life  have contributed to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of
the United States; and
 
  WHEREAS, The State of New York and our Nation are blessed with  many
citizens of the Sikh community who are distinguished by their excellence
and their contributions to all fields of endeavor; and
 
  WHEREAS,  The  festival of Vaisakhi presents an ideal opportunity to
affirm the belief in justice, equality, and freedom that is cherished by
all Americans and by Sikhs the world over; now, therefore, be it
 
  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
celebrate  the  festival  of  Vaisakhi,  and  to  extend to all Sikh New
Yorkers sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable observance.
Celebrating the festival of Vaisakhi on April 13, 2017

What's Happening

Why It Matters
