SR0183 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0183 LRB102 17842 LAW 24301 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Sikhs have been living in the United States for more than 100 years; during the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific, and Eastern Railroads; and

WHEREAS, The Sikhs constitute a well-established, religious, social, and ethnic group among the people who have immigrated to Illinois and to the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Sikh immigrants have added greatly, both culturally and economically, to the State of Illinois and the United States while simultaneously continuing to maintain their own culture and traditions; and

WHEREAS, Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the State of Illinois and the United States, including serving in the United States Armed Forces and offering significant contributions in agriculture, information technology, small businesses, the hotel industry, trucking, medicine, and technology; and

WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the world; today, there are more than 30 million Sikhs worldwide, an estimated 500,000 Sikh Americans, and 25,000 Sikhs residing in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 400th birth anniversary of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who was born on April 18, 1621; and

WHEREAS, Sikh Americans have distinguished themselves by fostering respect among all people through faith and service; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is committed to the value of religious diversity, tolerance grounded in the First Amendment principles, a culture of mutual understanding, the diminution of violence, and educating citizens about the world's religions; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois 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; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois honors the many ways that Sikh Americans have influenced American history, achievement, culture, and innovation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April 2021 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Sikh Religious Society.