US House passes resolution to commemorate Baisakhi

Sacramento, California: American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC) today thanked the American Sikh Congressional Caucus as the United States’ House of Representatives passed a special resolution to commemorate the festival of Baisakhi.

They said it was praiseworthy that the House passed the resolution, recognising the significance of Sikhs in America’s progress and development.

AGPC president Jaswant Singh Hothi and coordinator Dr Pritpal Singh said Baisakhi was held every year in mid-April to commemorate the creation of the Khalsa in 1699 and to celebrate the harvesting season in Punjab. “It also depicts the idea of ‘sewa’ (selfless service) to the community and the society at large,” said Dr Pritpal Singh. The Sikhs in the US celebrate the festival with great gaiety and fervor, he said. He thanked caucus co-chair Congress member Judy Chu and David Valadao for bringing in the resolution. “We are grateful to the caucus and others, including Congressman Geramendi, Joseph Crowley, Doug LaMalfa, Eric Swalwell, Raul Grijalva, Sheila Jackson Lee, Dina Titus, Barbara Lee, Jackie Speier, Rush Holt, and Ami Bera.”

The American Sikh Congressional Caucus focuses on the interests of the American Sikhs. The caucus seeks to address issues such as military discrimination, violence and bullying of Sikhs.

Source: The Tribune