Bill Text: NJ SJR57 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Designates April 14th of each year as "Sikh Day."
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 10-1)
Status: (Passed) 2019-04-14 - Approved P.L.2019, JR-4. [SJR57 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-SJR57-Chaptered.html
§§1,2 -
C.36:2-348 &
36:2-349
A Joint Resolution designating April 14th of each year as "Sikh Day."
Whereas, The cultural and intellectual diversity of the State of New Jersey is a source of strength and inspiration for its people; and
Whereas, The Sikh community continues to play an integral, though often overlooked, role in strengthening the religious, social, and political fabric of this State; and
Whereas, Sikhism is the world's fifth largest religion with nearly 30 million adherents, roughly 500,000 of whom call the United States home; and
Whereas, Founded by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of India during the 15th century, the Sikh spiritual tradition is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God; and
Whereas, Believing that every person shares a connection through the oneness of God, the Sikh community emerged as a force for social justice by encouraging female participation in religious services and initiating inter-faith efforts to combat oppression and injustice; and
Whereas, The religion's central principles of truthful living, service to humanity, and devotion to God also inspire its believers to create inclusive communities where all are respected; and
Whereas, Through leading charitable events and prominent political positions, including the offices of the Attorney General and the Mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey's Sikh community embodies the sense of public service that underlies this country's founding principles; and
Whereas, The people of New Jersey feel obliged to honor the Sikh community's important role in supporting and enriching the social fabric of this State; and
Whereas, Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi on the first day of the month of Vaisakh in the Sikh calendar, which typically falls on April 13th or 14th; and
Whereas, Vaisakhi is a special occasion in which Sikhs remember the founding in 1699 of the Khalsa Panth, a fellowship of devout soldier-saints, which played an important role in shaping the religion's history and identity; and
Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper for the people of New Jersey to celebrate the day of Vaisakhi alongside Sikhs throughout the world and to honor the lasting contributions made by the Sikh community in this State; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The day of April 14th of each year is designated as "Sikh Day" in the State of New Jersey to honor and celebrate the important role played by the Sikh community in strengthening and inspiring the people of this State.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation designating the day of April 14th as "Sikh Day" and shall call upon the public officials and citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates April 14th of every year as "Sikh Day."
Sikhism is the world's fifth largest religion with nearly 30 million adherents, including roughly 500,000 in the Unites States. Founded by the Guru Nanak in the 15th century, the religion is rooted in the belief that every person, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed, is equal before God. Stemming from this belief, the Sikh community emerged as a positive force for social justice by empowering women and combating oppression and injustice.
The religion's central principles of truthful living, service to humanity, and devotion to God also inspire its believers to create inclusive communities where all are respected. By holding charitable events like the annual "Let's Share a Meal" in Camden and Jersey City, as well as leading prominent political offices like the Attorney General and Mayor of Hoboken, the Sikh community in New Jersey embodies the sense of public service that underlies this country's founding principles.
The Sikh community celebrates Vaisakhi on the first day of the month of Vaisakh in the Sikh calendar, which usually occurs on April 13th or 14th. Vaisakhi is a special occasion for Sikhs to remember the founding in 1699 of the Khalsa Panth, a fellowship of devout solider-saints, which played an important role in shaping the religion's history and identity. The people of New Jersey feel obliged to celebrate Vaisakhi alongside Sikhs throughout the world and honor the lasting contributions of the Sikh community within this State.
Designates April 14th of each year as "Sikh Day."
