Senate Resolution No. 2676
BY: Senator THOMAS
MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2020, as Sikh Awareness Month in the State of
New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of the diverse
cultures that make up the communities throughout the State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2020, as Sikh
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than
100 years, and during the early 20th Century, thousands of Sikh
Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon,
Pacific & Eastern Railroad; and
WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world and
today, there are more than 30 million Sikhs worldwide and an estimated
500,000 Sikh Americans; and
WHEREAS, Vaisakhi is one of the most historically significant days
of the year for Sikhs and is celebrated on April 13, 2020; and
WHEREAS, 2020 is the 551st birthday of the first of 10 gurus and
founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak; this day is celebrated for Sikhs in New
York State and worldwide as Guru Nanak's Gurpurab and is one of the most
important dates in the Sikh calendar; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions, and make rich
contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the
United States, including service as members of the United States Armed
Forces and significant contributions to our great nation in agriculture,
information technology, small businesses, the hotel industry, trucking,
medicine, and technology; and
WHEREAS, Sikh Americans distinguished themselves by fostering
respect among all people through faith and service; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is committed to educating citizens
about the world's religions, the value of religious diversity, tolerance
grounded in First Amendment principles, a culture of mutual
understanding, and the diminution of violence; and
WHEREAS, Today, the State of New York seeks to further the diversity
of its community and afford all residents the opportunity to better
understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared
experiences of Sikh Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2020, as Sikh
Awareness Month in the State of New York; an be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.
