[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 16, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      550TH BIRTHDAY OF GURU NANAK

  Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I rise to mark a very special day for the 
Sikh religion and the Sikh community across America and especially in 
Pennsylvania--specifically, the birthday of the founder of Sikhism, 
Guru Nanak.
  Guru Nanak was born into a Hindu household in 1469 in what is now 
modern-day Pakistan. Guru Nanak showed a keen interest in religion from 
very early on in his life. He had a real aptitude in his youth for 
philosophizing and writing poetry. He married, had children, and became 
an accountant like his father. Yet he always believed in the importance 
of living a spiritual life. Eventually, he underwent a profound 
personal transformation to become the religious figure and leader for 
which he is recognized today.
  Guru Nanak's most famous teachings include that there is only one 
God, that people need not go through an intermediary, such as a priest, 
to access the one God, and that all people are created equal. He 
preached that his followers should meditate and remember God, that they 
should earn an honest living, and that they should share with those who 
are less fortunate than themselves.
  Guru Nanak began teaching the Sikh faith around the year 1500, and 
with around 30 million adherents, the Sikh faith is the sixth largest 
religion in the world. Approximately 700,000 Sikhs have chosen to make 
their homes in the United States. There are several Sikh places of 
worship, known as gurdwaras, in and around the Philadelphia area, 
Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and across America.
  Next month, on November 12, there will be celebrations at gurdwaras 
across the globe to mark the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak. In addition, 
Sikh leaders have come to the Capitol today to commemorate the birthday 
of Guru Nanak.
  A few minutes ago, a giani, or a Sikh religious official, gave a 
prayer as the Senate opened for business. I am proud that he hails from 
my State of Pennsylvania. This evening, leaders from the Sikh community 
will convene an interfaith event to promote the peaceful values that 
all of the world's major religions share.
  This morning, I just wanted to add my voice to wish the Sikh 
community great luck and great joy with this event and to wish Guru 
Nanak a happy 550th birthday this year.
  I yield the floor.

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