Rep. T.J. Cox introduces resolution recognizing 550th Gurpurab
Original Article
August 7, 2019
Zofeen Maqsood
The resolution honors Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary and the Sikh Americans’ contributions to the nation.
Gurpurab is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru and the founder of Sikhism, and it is the most important festival in Sikh faith. The year 2019 marks the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak and is especially significant to Sikhs across the globe.
Many Sikh organizations across the US have been organizing events and celebrations for the occasion.
On Wednesday, August 7, U.S. Rep. T.J. Cox (D-CA) introduced a new resolution honoring Guru Nanak’s 550th Gurpurab. The resolution also recognized the contributions Sikhs have made in American society. Cox is also the vice chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus.
The resolution, which has been welcomed by Sikhs across the country, was endorsed by the Sikh Coalition, a minority civil rights organization, headquartered in New York. The organization officials say that they will be carrying on with their efforts to engage more elected officials to create awareness about Sikhism and to protect Sikh rights across the country.
The new resolution is important because it also recognizes more than 125 years of Sikh contributions to this country.
Speaking about the resolution Cox said, “I am proud to recognize American Sikhs by introducing this resolution.” He added, “My district in California is home to approximately 25,000 Sikhs and seven gurdwaras. Because diversity is the core strength of our country, we must respect the contributions and traditions of Americans of all faith backgrounds. I look forward to continuing to work with the Sikh community in my district.”
The coalition recognizes the need for these efforts as to better understand all the different faiths that make America. Sikh Coalition Senior Manager of Advocacy and Policy Sim J Singh added, “Resolutions like this are a key part of the Sikh Coalition’s ongoing efforts to engage our elected officials. Raising awareness of the contributions of Sikh Americans as well as the cultural and historical significance of our religion is a critical component in the larger fight to ensure our civil rights are protected and respected.”
Gurdwaras across the United States are celebrating Guru Nanak’s 550th gurpurab. Various events such as gurdwara open houses to welcome officials and community leaders are also being organized.
