[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 325TH ANNIVERSARY OF VAISAKHI AND THE LEGACY OF GURU 
                            GOBIND SINGH JI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS R. SUOZZI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2024

  Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 325th 
anniversary of Vaisakhi on April 13, 2024, and the legacy of Guru 
Gobind Singh Ji, who espoused the values that we as Americans cherish, 
including liberty, equality, and religious freedom.
  Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa community in 1699, and its 
sole purpose has been upholding the dignity and human rights of 
everyone, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or social 
status. Sikhism teaches that all human beings are inter-connected as 
one human family, with one Creator who lives through everyone. Sikhism 
also teaches that every person has innate dignity and deserves to be 
treated with respect and kindness. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught that the 
highest form of worship is to love and care for humanity. For this 
reason, the Khalsa community cares for God's creation without any 
distinction.
  Guru Gobind Singh Ji preached his belief in pluralism and freedom of 
conscience during a time of religious intolerance. He lived by a maxim 
that captures one of Voltaire's philosophies. ``I disapprove of what 
you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.'' His 
father, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, adhered to the same principles and was 
even executed because he protested the government's forced removal of 
the Janeu, the sacred thread. Even though as a Sikh, Guru Teg Bahadur 
Ji himself did not believe in wearing the Janeu, he protested for the 
right of Hindus to wear it. He was executed because he refused to give 
up this principle when given an ultimatum by the intolerant monarchy of 
his time.
  Guru Gobind Singh Ji followed in the footsteps of his father and 
promoted interfaith dialogue. Not only would Guru Gobind Singh Ji build 
Sikh Gurudwaras, but he also built Muslim Mosques and Hindu Mandirs. 
When asked which religion he felt is the most excellent, Guru Gobind 
Singh Ji would respond ''Just as my faith is the most excellent for me, 
yours is the most excellent for you.'' He taught that religious labels 
do not matter in God's eyes.
  Guru Gobind Singh Ji was also a major proponent of education and 
women's rights. He was an intellectual who authored many influential 
works and poetry that is still read today. Much of his poetry is 
included in the Sikh prayers. He encouraged people of all identities 
and backgrounds to study, which was very rare at the time. Women were 
given the equal rights to become soldiers in the Khalsa army, which was 
an army comprised completely of volunteers. According to Sikh writer 
Bhai Vir Singh Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught that ``it is a sin to be 
cruel, but it is a bigger sin to tolerate cruelty.'' This was during a 
time where being religious meant that you left society to primarily 
focus on meditation. Guru Gobind Singh Ji taught abandoning a suffering 
world in the name of religion is selfishness disguised as prayer. He 
preached that religiosity meant fighting against cruelty and uplifting 
the downtrodden.
  Regarding issues of war and peace, the Khalsa army adhered to a 
humanitarian code fostered by the Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They were 
outnumbered in every battle they fought, yet their spirit was 
unmatched. Wars were only fought for human rights. Battles were often 
fought to rescue young girls who were kept as slaves and forced to 
leave their religion. Sikhs would make sure to not only give food, 
water, and first aid to their soldiers but also to enemy soldiers. No 
land was ever conquered, no loot taken, and no prisoners of war were 
ever caught. Additionally, all the Khalsa army arrows had gold on them. 
This was to make sure that if an enemy soldier was injured, they could 
afford treatment, and if they died their family was not left penniless. 
Guru Gobind Singh Ji's own sons fought on the front lines of the 
battlefield. All four of his sons gave their lives fighting. His 
younger two sons were captured and executed at age 7 and 9, along with 
his elderly mother. Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the Khalsa army sacrificed 
everything in the name of freedom.
  When a Sikh decides to become a part of the Khalsa community they go 
through the baptism ceremony called the Amrit Sanchar. They vow to 
serve humanity and fight for social justice. They also give up all ties 
to caste. Guru Gobind Singh fought against the caste system because he 
believed it undermined the principle of unconditional human equality. 
The Khalsa of yesterday fought as soldiers on the battlefield. The 
Khalsa of today fights for justice as teachers, doctors, lawyers, and 
political activists. They are very much a part of the American fabric 
and embody the spirit of freedom.
  The Khalsa community serves humanity in their Gurudwaras, the Sikh 
place of worship. Gurudwaras feed thousands a day in their free 
kitchens called ``langars.'' This practice was founded on the belief 
that no human should ever go hungry. These community kitchens are 
places where people from all cultures and religions are welcome to eat 
for free. The community has taken the concept of selfless service to 
great heights and continues to provide free humanitarian aid in natural 
disasters all around the world. By creating the Khalsa, Guru Gobind 
Singh Ji broke all barriers and united the human race, as one family. 
Today, the Third Congressional District of New York joins the Sikh 
community in celebrating Khalsa Sajna Diwas and honors the 
contributions that Sikhs have made to the District and the Nation.

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