Resolution to Designate April 14 as National Sikh Day Introduced in US House of Representatives

April 14 could be designated as National Sikh Day in the US as a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives. This is being done to honor and celebrate the Sikh community in the US for strengthening and inspiring the people of the country.

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon introduced the notion to designate April 14 as National Sikh Day the in the US. The resolution points out that the Sikh community embodies the sense of public service which is one of the founding principles of the US. It is the day on which Vaisakhi is celebrated by Sikh people as they remember the founding of the Order of Khalsa in 1699 by the 10th Sikh Guru to fight tyranny and oppression.

The resolution states, “It is altogether fitting and proper to celebrate the day of Vaisakhi alongside Sikhs throughout the world and to honor the lasting contributions made by the Sikh community to the US.”

The resolution has been presented in the US House of Representatives. As of now, it is unclear if and when it will be implemented. It was first introduced in the House on March 28 and was co-sponsored by over a dozen lawmakers including Karen Bass, Paul Tonko, Brian K Fitzpatrick, Daniel Meuser, Eric Swalwell, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, among others. It was also welcomed by the Sikh caucus committee, Sikh co-ordination committee, and American Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee (AGPC).

Vineet Washington