84R15164 BPG-D
By: Turner of Harris H.R. No. 1512
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, On April 13, 2015, members of the Sikh community are
coming together in Texas 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 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 the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the festival of Vaisakhi and extend
to all Sikh Texans sincere best wishes for a meaningful and
memorable observance.