Bill Text: NY J00633 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2023, as Sikh Awareness Month in the State of New York

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 42-21)

Status: (Passed) 2023-04-10 - ADOPTED [J00633 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J00633-Introduced.html

---

Senate Resolution No. 633

BY: Senator THOMAS

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        April 2023, 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 Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim  April  2023,  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 14, 2023; and

  WHEREAS, 2023 is the 554th 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 Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim  April  2023,  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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York.