[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 14, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S1937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          VAISAKHI AND THE 400TH BIRTHDAY OF GURU TEG BAHADUR

  Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I rise today to join my Sikh friends, 
Pennsylvania's Sikh community, and Sikhs around the world in 
recognizing two important Sikh celebrations taking place this week: 
(the holiday of Vaisakhi and the 400th anniversary of the birth of Guru 
Teg Bahadur.
  Sikhism traces its origins to the Punjab region of India and has 
flourished around the world for nearly 600 years. The Sikh tradition is 
built upon ideals of peace, respect, and equality. Further, Sikhs are 
dedicated to the principle that every person is created equal before 
God, no matter their race, gender, religion, or creed. Today, Sikhs 
number 30 million globally, making Sikhism one of the world's major 
religions. Nearly 700,000 Sikhs live in the United States, and many of 
them have made Pennsylvania their home.
  Sikhs share a strong sense of community, family, and selfless 
service, as evidenced by their commitment to welcoming and serving 
individuals from all religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. 
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sikh communities across the country, 
including in Pennsylvania, mobilized to deliver meals, groceries, 
masks, and other supplies to tens of thousands of families in need. In 
my own travels across the Commonwealth, I have witnessed firsthand the 
spirit of this community when meeting with Sikh constituents. It is 
clear they have enriched their neighborhoods and contributed in 
numerous ways to the growth and vitality of Pennsylvania and the United 
States.
  As a proud member of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, each 
year, I join many voices across Congress and the United States in 
commemorating the holiday of Vaisakhi, which took place on April 13 
this year. Vaisakhi marks the spring harvest and serves as a day of 
reflection of Sikhism's origins. During Vaisakhi, Sikhs commemorate the 
founding in 1699 of the Khalsa Panth, an order of devout Sikhs who 
played a fundamental role in cultivating the religion's history and 
identity.
  Traditionally, Sikhs recognize Vaisakhi with parades, dancing, 
singing, and other festivities. Sikhs also commemorate this special day 
with community service, both organizing and volunteering in various 
community projects. In years past, Sikhs from around the country have 
organized a parade here in Washington, DC to commemorate Vaisakhi as 
National Sikh Day. While the pandemic has prevented such largescale, 
public celebrations both last year and this year, I look forward to 
welcoming Pennsylvania's Sikh community back to D.C. in the years to 
come.
  In addition to celebrating Vaisakhi, Sikhs will also mark the 400th 
anniversary of the birth of spiritual leader Guru Teg Bahadur on April 
18. The Ninth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Teg Bahadur is remembered as a 
champion of religious liberty for all. In 1675, Guru Teg Bahadur 
confronted Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb against the forced religious 
conversation of Hindus, an act for which he was publicly beheaded in 
Delhi. In giving his life to protect a religion that was not his own, 
he is fondly remembered by Sikhs as Dhram Di Chadar, or Shield of the 
Religions.
  I extend my best wishes to the Sikh community for the joyous 
celebrations of Vaisakhi and the 400th anniversary of the birth of Guru 
Teg Bahadur.

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