The resolution expresses respect for all Sikhs who practice their faith
Top US lawmakers have introduced resolutions in the Congress, recognising the historical, cultural and religious significance of the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev and honouring the contributions of Sikh-Americans to the country.
Being introduced ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, the resolutions said that Sikhs in the US and around the world live the values and ideals of equality, service, and devotion to the God, first preached by Guru Nanak Dev.
The resolution in the Senate was introduced on Friday by three Democratic Senators, Dick Durbin, Bob Menendez, and Ben Cardin. In the House of Representatives, it has been introduced by Congressmen Greg Pence from the Republican Party and Peter Visclosky from the Democratic Party.
"Sikh-Americans have added to the social, cultural, and economic diversity of the United States, including by serving as members of our Armed Forces and have contributed to fields as diverse as agriculture, information technology, hospitality, trucking, and medicine," Mr Durbin said.
"The Sikh community has made countless contributions to civic life in New Jersey and the United States across so many endeavours in the public and private sectors," said Mr Menendez.
"As this resolution describes, America is a better country thanks to Sikhs from all walks of life. Last month I was honoured to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar and I gained an even deeper appreciation for the values embodied in the Sikh religion," he said.
"Sikh-Americans have been a proud part of the American story for generations and they continue to enrich our nation and the communities in which they live," said Mr Cardin.
He thanked the Sikh community for their ongoing social, cultural and economic contributions, and for their courage to stand up against racial and religious discrimination against their community and others.
The Senate resolution introduced on Friday is the Senate companion to the House resolution introduced by Congressman TJ Cox.
Lawmakers Susan Brooks, Jim Banks, Andre Carson and Jim Baird were co-sponsors to the House resolutions. The resolution recognises the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Dev, and the contributions and sacrifices made by Sikhs of the United States, and expresses respect for all Sikhs who practice their faith.
"With the upcoming 550th birthday of Guru Nanak, I am proud to stand with our friends in the Sikh community by offering legislation to celebrate this momentous occasion and honour their contributions to Indiana and to our great nation," said Congressman Pence, who is the brother of the Vice President Mike Pence.
Observing that Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, and there are more than 2.5 crore Sikhs worldwide and more than 7.5 lakh Sikh Americans, the Senate resolution recognises several eminent Sikh-Americans.