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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 662
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WHEREAS, On April 13, 2017, members of the Sikh community |
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are coming together in Texas and around the world to celebrate |
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Vaisakhi, one of the most important dates on the Sikh calendar; and |
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WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the |
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world, with more than 25 million adherents, including an |
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estimated 700,000 in the United States; the majority of Sikhs |
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live in the Punjab province of India, in the region where the |
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religion was founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev; and |
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WHEREAS, A monotheistic faith, Sikhism teaches respect for |
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all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background; |
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it stresses the importance of doing good in the world and |
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demonstrating such positive values as humility, diligence, |
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generosity, and self-sacrifice in daily life; and |
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WHEREAS, Vaisakhi celebrates the founding in 1699 of the |
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devout Sikh fellowship known as the Khalsa; Guru Gobind Singh |
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bestowed on all Khalsa men the surname Singh, meaning "lion," as |
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a reminder to be courageous, and women accepted the surname Kaur, |
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or "princess," to emphasize dignity; and |
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WHEREAS, The first Sikhs came to the United States in the |
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1890s to build railroads, work on California farms, or labor in |
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the lumber mills of the Pacific Northwest; since then, Sikh |
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Americans in all walks of life have contributed to the social, |
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cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States; and |
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WHEREAS, The festival of Vaisakhi presents an ideal |
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opportunity to affirm the belief in justice, equality, and |
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freedom that is cherished by all Americans and by Sikhs the world |
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over; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th |
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Legislature, hereby commemorate the festival of Vaisakhi and |
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extend to all Sikh Texans sincere best wishes for a meaningful |
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and memorable observance. |
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Menéndez |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on April 24, 2017. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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Member, Texas Senate |