State of Connecticut recognizes April 14 Vaisakhi day as Sikh National Day
Hamden, Connecticut, April 22, 2019: State of Connecticut General assembly has recognized April 14th as the “National Sikh Day”.
The General Assembly Citation which was introduced by Senator Catherine A. Osten, 19th Dist. ,Representative Kevin Ryan, 139th Dis, representative Emmett D. Riley, 46th Dist.,Representative Doug Dubitsky, 47th Dist. recognize the observance of April 14th as National Sikh Day, said a press release issued by Sikh Sewak Society International, USA.
Resolution read as “Vaisakhi is one of the most significant days in Sikh history, which commemorates the creation of the Khalsa, a fellowship of devout Sikhs by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 in Sikh Homeland Punjab. Sikhism is the 5th largest ethnic religion based on the belief of one God and the equality of all human beings. We join with all communities of faith in celebrating this joyous holiday with you.”
This was Signed by Speaker of the House,Secretary of the State and President Pro Tempore.
Swaranjit Singh Khalsa, president of Sikh Sewak Society International USA told that “This resolution has paved the road for Sikhs to eventually get declared April 14th as an official holiday in Connecticut.”
“I am glad State of Connecticut understands importance of recognizing Communities living, working and helping state to grow,” added Khalsa.
This declaration was made by Senator Osten in Gurudwara Sachkhand Darbar, Hamden as she joined to celebrate Vaisakhi with Local Sikh Community.Many other dignities and elected officals came to show their support for Sikh nation.
US Senator Chris Murphy who introduced Senate Resolution 469 last year to recognize Vaisakhi in US Senate for first time in history on Request from Sikh Community of Connecticut also recognized April 14th as National Sikh Day in his letter.
US Congressman Joe Courtney also issued the certificate recognizing work of Sikh Community of Connecticut and Declaring April 14th as National Sikh Day.
Mayor of City of Hamden Curt B Leng also gave proclamtion to recognize April 14th as National Sikh Day and Supported Sikh Cause of freedom by recognizing the fact that 80% Sikhs still lives in India Occupied Punjab.
Manmohan Singh Bharara Member of Gurudwara In Hamden said “Education is the great tool and we will keep using it to tell world what happened to Sikhs in India”.
Dr.Amarjit Singh From Washington DC was keynote speaker who explained the importance of the Vaisakhi day and congrats Sikh community in Connecticut in these landmark achievements.
At State level So far Connecticut and Indiana are two state which have recognized Vaisakhi as “National Sikh Day”.At Federal level so US Senator Chris Murphy and US Senator Mike Broun has recognized April 14 th as National Sikh day.
At city level 5 Cities in Connecticut Norwich,Norwalk,Hamden,East Hartford,Southington and one city in Massachusetts name Holyoke has Also declared April 14th as National Sikh Day.
Many other states and cities has also recognized Vaisakhi as “Sikh Day” and month of April as “Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month” including New Jersey,Washington etc.
Bakshish Singh,Veer Singh,Amandeep Singh Clinton,Manny Singh,Bobby Singh,Bhisham Singh,Satnam Singh, And Many other members of Sikh community played key role in hamden Vaisakhi celebration.