WASHINGTON, DC, USA—Sikhs have welcomed President Obama’s greetings to the Sikh community on the 544th birth-anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, said “We truly appreciate President Obama’s gesture to greet us on this auspicious anniversary. He and his administration has shown particular respect for Sikhs and their religious observances. President Obama in his remarks has highlighted the convergence of Guru Nanak’s teachings and the founding principles of this great nation. Equality, pluralism and compassion are the central core of Guru Nanak’s vision for the world and we have seen with keen interest how President has tried to implement these principles during his governance in the last five years.
President Obama in his remarks issued by the Office of the Press Secretary at the White House, said, “This sacred time is an occasion to reflect on Guru Nanak’s timeless teachings and the principles that are at the heart of Sikhism, including the equality of all human beings, the pluralism we cherish in diverse societies and the compassion we owe one another. Here in the United States, we’re grateful to the many Sikh Americans who give life to these values and enrich our country every day, reminding us that these shared principles are not only at the heart of the Sikh faith, they are central to who we are as Americans.”
President Obama has stood with Sikh community in the most challenging times last year during the Oak Creek, Wisconsin Gurdwara’s shooting and he tried his best to give comfort to the Sikhs and the nation.
Dr. Singh, further stated, “We are committed to be an partner with President Obama in building a loving society where no one feels left out. We wish Happy Gurpurab to President Obama and also pray that he is successful in his agenda of making this nation economically strong and being able to provide an access to health care to all.”
White House is also set to celebrate Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary on Wednesday.
