[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]

 
        IN RECOGNITION OF THE 295TH BIRTHDAY OF THE SIKH NATION

                                 ______


                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 13, 1994

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 13th 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.
  I give my best wishes to the Sikh nation as it celebrates the 295th 
birthday of Khalsa Panth. I profoundly respect the Sikh nation and wish 
it happiness, freedom, and human rights in the coming years. Happy 
Vaisakhi! Congratulations!

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