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Utah House recognizes Sikh guru's legacy
Utah lawmakers issued an official citation honoring Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th anniversary and the state’s Sikh community.
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Pranavi Sharma - Thu, 20, Nov 2025
- 01:08 EST
- 12
Lawmakers acknowledged the community’s charitable work and described Sikh principles of truthful living, service, and devotion to God as central to its presence in Utah. / Pritpal Singh
The Utah House of Representatives issued an official citation in Salt Lake City recognizing the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur's sacrifice and honoring the Sikh community’s history in the state.
The citation notes Sikhism’s origins in the Punjab region of South Asia, its belief in equality before God, and the more than 100 years of Sikh immigration to the United States. Lawmakers acknowledged the community’s charitable work and described Sikh principles of truthful living, service, and devotion to God as central to its presence in Utah.
The document outlines the events of Nov. 24, 1675, when Guru Tegh Bahadur and his followers Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Sati Dass, and Bhai Dayala “faced execution rather than renounce their principles.” It states that 2025 marks 350 years since the execution, calling the anniversary “a significant part of Sikh as well as human history.”
Speaker Mike Schultz and Rep. Anthony Loubet signed the citation, which also recognizes the contributions of Utah’s Sikh residents.
Pritpal Singh, founder of the American Sikh Caucus Committee, wrote on X that he appreciated the acknowledgment by Loubet, Schultz and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson. “Thank you… for honoring the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s sacrifice and recognizing the Sikh community of Utah,” he said.
Singh said Sikh American leaders Himmat Singh, Dr. Pritpal Singh and Harnder Singh, along with community members across the state, were “grateful for this moment.” He added that the recognition “carries real meaning for a community that has lived the principles of freedom, service, and equality on American soil for more than a century.”
He noted that “more than 125 years before America wrote the First Amendment, Guru Tegh Bahadur gave his life to defend the most basic human right — the freedom to worship without fear.” He wrote that the ninth Sikh Guru stood for a universal right “to live by their conscience,” a legacy he said remains relevant.
Singh also thanked Utah officials “for welcoming the Sikh community with respect and partnership,” saying the gesture strengthens ties between the state and Sikh residents.
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