The Washington State Senate recently passed a resolution honoring the contributions of Sikh Americans to the culture and history of the State and the United States.The legislation was sponsored by Democratic SenatorSharon Shewmake.
On passage of the resolution, Shewmake said, “The Sikh community has been an incredibly open and hospitable community where I live in Whatcom County.”Speaking on the significance of the resolution she added,“It’s all about equality, it’s about making sure that we’re recognizing the humanitarian work of the Sikh community, but also the humanity in all of us. And I’m so thankful that this community has been in America, in the world, but also in my home town. And I’m so glad to honor them today.”
The first Indian-American Sikh Senator Monika Dhingra also told the Senate how Sikh values have inspired her and many others toward public service. “This is a religion that was talking about equality among humans back in the fifteenth century. The religion based on the fact that we all are born out of the same light,” she shared.
The resolution applauded the Sikh American community’s diverse contributions in the development of the State and country. It reads “Sikh families in the United States pursue diverse professions and walks of life, making rich contributions to the economic vibrancy of the United States.”
The resolution added that Washington State takes pride in being a place where all faiths and cultures are welcomed, respected, and celebrated; and acknowledged Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, which marks the beginning of the harvest season and the Sikh New Year and wished a very joyous Vaisakhi celebration.
The Senate also recognized members of the Sikh community in attendance, including Whatcom County Executive Satpal Singh Sidhu and Kent City Councilmember Satwinder Kaur, according to a release.The session opened with a prayer by Jasneet Kaur, outreach coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Gurdwara Council, the release added.
