[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 39 (Wednesday, April 13, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         SIKH NATION'S BIRTHDAY

                                 ______


                            HON. PETE GEREN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 1994

  Mr. PETE GEREN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize today, 
April 13, as the birthday of the Sikh nation. It was on this day, 295 
years ago in 1699, that Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the 10 Sikh 
gurus, baptized the people of the Sikh faith, forming the consecrated 
body of the Khalsa Panth.
  The creation of the Khalsa Panth is a great moment in modern human 
history. Americans can be proud of our Sikh friends whose religion is 
founded on the principles of individual human rights and civil 
liberties regardless of race, creed, or sex. The equality of all 
humankind is an essential tenet of Sikhism.
  The Sikhs call the anniversary of their creation as a nation, 
Vaisakhi Day. I would encourage people the world over to heed the wise 
words of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, often quoted among Sikhs: ``Recognize ye 
all the human race as one.'' In particular, an emphasis on gender 
equality has a high place in the Sikh religion.
  Again, I give my best to the 21 million Sikhs throughout the world as 
they celebrate the 295 birthday of the Khalsa Panth. I regard the brave 
Sikh nation with profound respect and pride for what they have 
contributed to the human race. Happy Vaisakhi and congratulations.

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