[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BAISAKHI-1999

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor BAISAKHI-1999, which 
is the Tercentenary Celebration of the birth of Khalsa. BAISAKHI-1999 
is where Indian-Americans, the government of Punjab, and the people of 
India will celebrate the rich Khalsa heritage of the last three hundred 
years. It will offer everyone an opportunity to reflect on Sikh values 
and traditions.
  Punjab, India, is the land where the soul of Kabir found its 
resonance in the inspirational hymns of Guru Nanak, and the grandeur of 
Guru Gobind Singh's spirit inspired countless people. Punjab has always 
been known for the rich heritage of Sikh culture.
  BAISAKHI-1999 represents the culmination of extensive planning, and 
has come about only through the remarkable efforts of devoted people 
whose commitment to the project should be commended. I would like to 
personally recognize the Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal 
and his council of ministers; members of the Legislative Assembly; 
Members of the Parliament; Serv Shri Surjeet Singh Barnala, Union 
Minister of India; Sukhbir Singh Badal; Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh; 
Jathedar Bhai Gurucharan Singh Tohra, M.P.; Bhajedra Singh Haumdard, 
M.P.; Didar Singh Bhens; and the founder president of the Ambedkar 
International Mission U.S.A., Hardyal Singh.
  To further mark this auspicious occasion, the Honorable Chief 
Minister of the State of Punjab, Mr. Prakash Singh Badal, has proposed 
the development of Anandpar Sahib, a city in Punjab to reflect the rich 
heritage of Sikh culture. Included in the proposal is the Khalsa 
Heritage Memorial Complex, the Khalsa Memorial Academic Institute, a 
gallery of paintings, and a Sikh military museum among other things. 
Also planned is a Khalsa heritage memorial which will be three hundred 
feet high to mark this Tercentenary Celebration.
  Once again, I would like to send my best wishes for this event, and 
my personal congratulations on this joyous occasion.

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