[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE SIKH COMMUNITY OF CONNECTICUT ON VAISAKHI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Sikh 
Community of Connecticut, and their dedicated leaders who are working 
hard to challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes the Sikh community 
faces in Connecticut, and the nation as a whole. Many American Sikhs 
face misunderstanding in their schools and workplaces, despite the over 
100-year history of the faith in America. I thank the Sikh Community of 
Connecticut for their work to bring greater understanding of Sikh 
values to all Americans. In particular, Mr. Swaranjit Singh Khalsa and 
the Sikh Sivak Society, who organized an awareness campaign in my 
district to educate eastern Connecticut residents about Sikhism through 
public service advertisements seen around town. I was fortunate to meet 
Mr. Singh in my office recently to discuss the project and the 
challenges the community is facing.
  Sikhism originated in the Punjab region of South Asia, founded on the 
ideals of devotion to God, service to others, social justice, and 
equality of all people. Twenty-five million people practice Sikhism all 
over the world, including 250,000 Sikhs in the United States, making 
Sikhism the fifth largest religion in the world. Immigration of Sikhs 
to the United States primarily began in the 1960s, as many came in 
search of higher education, and stayed to raise families. Indeed, Sikhs 
have made great contributions to the culture, economy, and society of 
the United States.
  This month, Sikhs all over the world will be celebrating Vaisakhi. 
This holiday commemorates the founding of the Khalsa, or the collective 
body of committed Sikhs.
  Vaisakhi is a time to acknowledge the values of Sikhism, and the 
growth of the Sikh community. This year, the Sikh Community of America 
organized the Freedom March for Sikh Nation on April 9th in Washington, 
D.C. This event is a time for all Americans to come together to learn 
about and celebrate Vaisakhi, and bring attention to issues surrounding 
Sikh identity in the United States.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Sikh community for 
their many contributions to American culture, Mr. Singh for his efforts 
to bring understanding about Sikhism to my region, and to wish all a 
joyous Vaisakhi.

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