[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 51 (Wednesday, April 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E649-E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          SIKHS OBSERVE 300TH BAISAKHI BY MARCHING FOR FREEDOM

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                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 1999

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
join some of my colleagues in wishing a happy 300th Baisakhi Day to the 
Sikh Nation. The contributions that Sikhs have made to American life 
have been significant. They have added to almost every walk of American 
life.
  On April 10, the Sikhs marched in celebration of the 300th Baisakhi 
anniversary of the day of the last of the 10 Gurus, Guru Gobind Singh, 
initiated the Khalsa Panth. I understand that it was a glorious event 
for the Sikh nation, and I would like to congratulate the Sikhs of 
America and my friend Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, who was the march 
coordinator, on its success.
  I understand that the parade looked like a sea of saffron (the Sikh 
color of freedom) as it moved from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol 
and that the grounds outside here on the West Front were filled with 
over 40,000 enthusiastic Sikhs. It must have been something to see!
  It is appropriate that the march began at the memorial to Abraham 
Lincoln, issuer of the Emancipation Proclamation. The Sikh Nation 
struggles for their freedom, as instructed by the Sikh Gurus. Sikhs are 
instructed to oppose tyranny wherever it occurs.
  The Sikhs are a proud people, and justifiably so. They are a people 
dedicated to living a holy life, working hard, sharing with those in 
need, and to the equality of all people and freedom for everyone. 
Unfortunately, in their own homeland, Sikhs do not enjoy freedom. They 
have been subjected to tyranny. The Indian Government has also 
oppressed other minorities, such as Christians, Muslims, and Dalits 
(the so-called ``untouchables''). Yet India proudly proclaims itself a 
democracy.

[[Page E650]]

  We cannot make India behave like a truly democratic country, but we 
can apply pressure by withholding aid and by publicly declaring our 
support for a democratic vote in Punjab, Khalistan, and other Indian 
states on the subject of self-determination. If India is truly 
democratic, this is the way it should settle these issues.
  The Governors of New Jersey and Texas have declared the ``Year of the 
Khalsa.'' Numerous Members of Congress from both parties have saluted 
the Sikhs on this historic anniversary. The new Mayor of Washington, 
D.C. sent congratulatory remarks. As Sikhs move into their fourth 
century, they should celebrate their next anniversary in freedom in 
their own sovereign, independent country. Let us honor their history 
and their struggle by supporting their effort to be free.
  I would like to add Mayor Williams' letter of congratulations to the 
Record.

  Congratulations, Council of Khalistan--``Recognize Ye All The Human 
                             Race As One''


                   300th anniversary, april 10, 1999

       As Mayor of the District of Columbia, it is my distinct 
     pleasure to extend warm greetings and congratulations to the 
     members, guest and friends of the Council of Khalistan as you 
     celebrate your 300th Anniversary of the initiation of the 
     Khalsa Panth.
       This is a significant milestone in the history of the Sikh 
     Nation as you celebrate this Vaisaakhee Day. Sikhism is the 
     youngest of the world's religion, and it is humility and 
     service to mankind that are regarded as most important. 
     Religion plays an important role in our daily lives, and you 
     are to be commended for your efforts to provide spiritual 
     enhancement to your membership, service to the community and 
     commitment to the principles of peace, progress, dignity, 
     integrity, human rights and justice for all.
       On behalf of the residents of the District of Columbia, 
     thank you for making a difference in our lives and best 
     wishes in your quest for holy fulfillment.
     Anthony A. Williams,
       Mayor, District of Columbia.

       

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