LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the festival of Vaisakhi on April 13,
2016

WHEREAS, On April 13, 2016, 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 digni-
ty; 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 York-
ers sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable observance.