SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 662
WHEREAS, On April 13, 2017, 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby commemorate the festival of Vaisakhi and
extend to all Sikh Texans sincere best wishes for a meaningful
and memorable observance.
Menéndez
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 24, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate