Assembly Resolution No. 220
BY: M. of A. Rajkumar
COMMEMORATING the Punjabi American community's
celebration of Vaisakhi Day, on April 13, 2021, and
recognizing April as Punjabi Awareness Month
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor, with
pleasure and great pride, the South Asian American community of the
State of New York upon the occasion of the celebration of Vaisakhi; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the Punjabi American community's celebration of Vaisakhi
Day, on April 13, 2021, and to recognize April as Punjabi Awareness
Month; and
WHEREAS, Vaisakhi is one of the most historically significant days
of the year for those in India, or of Indian decent, and is celebrated
on April 13, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Vaisakhi is an ancient festival marking the Solar New Year,
commemorating the month of Vaisakha, and celebrating the spring harvest;
it is regionally known by many names but celebrated in broadly similar
ways by Hindus, Punjabis and Sikhs; and
WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than
100 years celebrating Vaisakhi, 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, Those who celebrate Vaisakhi 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, The State of New York is committed to educating citizens
about the world's customs, the value of cultural 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 Punjabi Americans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Punjabi American community's celebration of Vaisakhi
Day, on April 13, 2021, and to recognize April as Punjabi Awareness
Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Consul General of India, Gurdwaras throughout the
State of New York, and various organizations throughout the State of New
York.
