President Barack Obama Congratulates Sikhs On Guru Nanak’s Birth-anniversary

President_ObamaWASHINGTON DC, USA—President Barack Obama has congratulated the Sikhs in United States and throughout the world on the birth-anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. This is being celebrated on November 6th in the nation and festivities will continue through the weekend.  President Obama stated, “I want to congratulate our Sikh friends in the United States and around the world on the anniversary of the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.” 

While praising Guru Nanak’s role in history in building bridges and promoting pluralistic values, President Obama said, “During his lifetime in the 14th and 15th centuries, Guru Nanak traveled throughout the region and world promoting equality, diversity, compassion, and tolerance, which became the core principles of Sikhism.”

He also acknowledged the role of the Sikhs who are 700,000 strong in the United States and stated, “The Sikh American community enriches the United States every day with its embodiment of these values, which are shared not just by Sikhs but by all Americans.”

Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, thanked President Obama and said, “We are truly appreciative of President Obama thoughtfulness and his respect for the community in the United States.  He and his administration has gone an extra mile to make Sikhs included in discussions on all important issues affecting America and its people. They have always stood by the Sikhs during the challenging times and has given us an assurance. May God bless President Obama and his family during this auspicious occasion.”

Today White House honored Rana Singh Sodhi, brother of Balbir Singh Sodhi, victim of the first hate crime in Arizona in the aftermath of 9/11, for his role in educating all Americans about Sikh religion and its practices. He was honored at an event marking the 5 year anniversary of the passage of the Hate Crimes Law signed by President Obama. FBI Director James Comey and Secretary of Labor Perez also spoke at the occasion in the presence of officials of the Justice Department and also activists from the civil rights community. Rana Singh Sodhi was accompanied by his wife, daughter and brother.  In addition, Justice Department Officials from Wisconsin also spoke on the positive role played by the Sikhs after the Wisconsin Gurdwara attack and Sikh community’s civil rights organizations working with the administration.

Complete statement issued by President Obama is available below – 

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2014

 

 

Statement by the President on the Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

I want to congratulate our Sikh friends in the United States and around the world on the anniversary of the birth of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.  During his lifetime in the 14th and 15th centuries, Guru Nanak traveled throughout the region and world promoting equality, diversity, compassion, and tolerance, which became the core principles of Sikhism.  The Sikh American community enriches the United States every day with its embodiment of these values, which are shared not just by Sikhs but by all Americans.

 

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