Washington, United States (April 13, 2014): On April 10, 2014 the US House of Representatives passed a resolution regarding Vaisakhi celebrations, which reads as follows:

113th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. RES. 550

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 10, 2014

Mr. Garamendi (for himself, Ms. Chu, Mr. Valadao, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Swalwell of California, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Jackson Lee, Ms. Titus, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Speier, Mr. Holt, and Mr. Bera of California) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION

Honoring the Sikh American community’s celebration of Vaisakhi.

Whereas Sikhism is a religion founded in the Punjab region of South Asia over 5 centuries ago and introduced to the United States in the 19th century;

Whereas Sikhism is the fifth largest world religion with approximately 25,000,000 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; and

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

That the House of Representatives wishes the Sikh American community a joyous Vaisakhi.