[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 13, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            MARKING 550TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIRTH OF GURU NANAK

  (Ms. SPANBERGER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, across central Virginia, our Sikh 
neighbors are celebrating the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru 
Nanak, the first Sikh guru.
  They are celebrating the man whose teachings have shaped the core 
beliefs of their families throughout the centuries, and they are 
remembering Guru Nanak's unwavering commitment to the plight of the 
poor, his push for equality for all, and his fight against 
discrimination.
  Amid constant threats of invasion and disease, Guru Nanak encouraged 
his followers to focus on what united their people, not what divided 
them. In a world consumed by lies and deceit, he taught them to pursue 
truth. While others sought to destroy and disregard the Earth's 
resources, Guru Nanak taught his followers to be responsible stewards 
of the land.
  In central Virginia, we have a warm, vibrant, and strong Sikh 
community. To them, I say happy Gurpurab.
  I hope all of our district's Sikh community members will have the 
opportunity to enjoy these special festivities alongside family and 
friends, and I thank you for your rich contributions to our cultural, 
business, and faith communities.
  Together, we thank you for incorporating Guru Nanak's principles of 
generosity, grace, and compassion into your daily lives. We are 
stronger because of you.
  Madam Speaker, ``Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguruji ki Fateh.'' Purity 
belongs to the Creator, all victory belongs to Him.

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