[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 65 (Monday, April 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN RECOGNITION OF VAISAKHI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 18, 2022

  Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
join with the Sikh community in celebrating Vaisakhi.
  The Sikh New Year Festival is a time for 30 million Sikhs around the 
world to celebrate the solar new year and reflect on the rich history 
of their religion. Founded in the Punjab region of India by Guru Nanak 
in the 15th Century CE, Sikhism was founded upon the principles of 
living an honest and hard-working lifestyle while serving others and 
treating everyone equally. Despite their beliefs of good-will, Sikhs 
have been subjected to violence and have fought relentlessly to defend 
their faith, most notably in 1984 with Sikh genocide during the anti-
Sikh riots in India.
  In the First Congressional District of Massachusetts, the City of 
Holyoke declared April 14th National Sikh Day. Every year, the Sikh 
community of western Massachusetts gathers at Holyoke City Hall to 
raise the Nishan Sahib flag in celebration of Vaisakhi. The First 
District is fortunate to have a Sikh community that plays a prominent 
philanthropic role by giving back to those less fortunate. As we 
celebrate Sikh Awareness Month in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
let us all embrace the Sikh principles of service and generosity.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to wish the World Sikhs Parliament and 
the Sikh community a happy and prosperous Vaisakhi.

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