Senate Resolution No. 569
BY: Senator RAMOS
RECOGNIZING the contributions of the Sikh
community and commemorating the Sikh massacre of
1984
WHEREAS, The Sikh religion, originating in the Punjab region of
South Asia, is the fifth-largest faith in the world with over 25,000,000
followers; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism, founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region
of South Asia, is a faith emphasizing equality, justice, selfless
service, and devotion to God; and
WHEREAS, The Sikh community has long upheld these principles and
made invaluable contributions to societies worldwide, including in New
York State, where Sikhs have played a vital role in the social,
economic, and cultural fabric of the state; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is practiced by over 500,000 individuals in the
United States, and Sikhs have been part of the American fabric for more
than 120 years, arriving initially to work on farms, in lumber mills,
mines, and on the Western Pacific Railroad, and subsequently settling in
every State and territory, contributing significantly to the Nation's
social, cultural, and economic landscape across diverse fields such as
art, music, trucking, agriculture, information technology, law,
medicine, and many more; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs have faced historical injustices, most notably in
1984 when thousands of Sikh men, women, and children were attacked and
killed in coordinated acts of violence across India including in the
capital territory of Delhi, the states of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh,
Haryana, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat,
Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra, and India-administered Jammu
and Kashmir; and
WHEREAS, This targeted and systematic violence has been recognized
by some human rights organizations, historians, and governments around
the world as a genocide against the Sikh people, as it sought to destroy
a religious and ethnic community through mass killings, forced
displacement, and destruction of Sikh institutions; and
WHEREAS, The Sikh community has demonstrated resilience and strength
in the face of adversity, rebuilding their lives and continuing to
uphold the tenets of their faith, including the commitment to community
service and justice for all; and
WHEREAS, New York State, and particularly Queens, New York, is home
to a thriving Sikh population, with numerous gurdwaras serving as
centers of worship, education, and social service, including the Sikh
Center of New York, which was established in 1972 as one of the first
Sikh institutions in the region; and
WHEREAS, The Sikh community in New York has enriched the state
through their contributions to various fields, including business,
medicine, public service, law enforcement, and academia, while also
fostering cross-cultural understanding and engagement through interfaith
dialogue and humanitarian efforts; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs are known for their selfless service, exemplified by
community kitchens that provide free meals to all people regardless of
background, and through charitable initiatives addressing issues such as
food insecurity, disaster relief, and social justice; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the horrific events of 1984 is a crucial step
toward acknowledging historical injustices, promoting awareness, and
standing in solidarity with the Sikh community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body honors the strength,
resilience, and contributions of the Sikh community in New York State,
acknowledging their vital role in the cultural and economic life of the
State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body recognizes the contributions of
the Sikh community and commemorates the Sikh massacre of 1984 through
official recognition and remembrance.
