Sikhs at White House
NEW YORK: The White House on Nov 19 celebrated the 541st birthday of the first guru of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. Sikh American community members and volunteers joined in with the celebrations with Sikh hymns being sung including ‘Vich Duniya Sev Kamaihai Taan Dargeh Baisan Payeehai’ found in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Last year was the first time that this holiday has ever been celebrated at the White House. Members of the Sikh community from around the country were invited to celebrate the occasion with traditional hymns led by the Sikh Kirtani Chanters from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India.
Harpreet Sandhu, advisor to United Sikhs, the Sikh advocacy group said: “Guru Nanak Sahib Ji’s vision is beginning to germinate within the consciousness of the Sikh community as we are starting to see the emerging of Sikhs in public life and building careers in civil and human rights organizations. This call to service has been recognized even by the President as he graciously thanked United Sikhs for their ongoing seva to the victims of Haiti.”
Representatives from the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, United Sikhs, and other grassroots leaders came together to recognize the important contributions of Sikhs to national life.
Becky Monroe, head of Community Relations at the Department of Justice talked about the White House’s continued wish to work with the Sikh community to prevent discrimination and hate crimes. She praised Sikhism’s central message of fighting for justice. Others present at the event included Sikh philanthropist and actor Kal Penn.
President Obama, in a statement about Guru Nanak birth anniversary, recognized Sikhism as a humanistic, egalitarian, and a faith that enshrines the concept of service to others. In the statement, he said: “On Sunday many around the world will observe the anniversary of birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. I send my best wishes to all those observing this extraordinary occasion.
This is also an opportunity to recognize the many contributions that Sikh Americans have made to our nation, and to reflect on the pluralism that is a hallmark of America. Sikhism’s principles of equality, service, interfaith cooperation and respect are principles shared by all Americans. As Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak, people of good will everywhere can identify with his teachings on the equality of all humankind and the need for compassion in our service to others.”
The first Sikhs arrived as laborers in the western United States around 1899 and gradually moved around the country. They went on to become owners of successful businesses, serve honorably in the US military in both World Wars and other conflicts, as lawyers, doctors, bankers, and members of many other professions.
India Post News Service
