AJR126

A Joint Resolution designating the weekend closest to the day of Guru Nanak Gurpurab as “Guru Nanak Gurpurab Weekend” in New Jersey.

Whereas, New Jersey is enriched by the diversity of its residents who have fostered a climate of social tolerance and intellectual pluralism which has strengthened this State throughout its history; and

Whereas, The Sikh community, originating in Punjab, South Asia, with some of its members having immigrated to the United States over a century ago, has made significant contributions to the development of both this nation and this State; and

Whereas, Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion, with an estimated 30 million adherents worldwide, including approximately one million in the United States; and

Whereas, The principles of peace, equality and fraternity are central to the Sikh tradition, which was founded in response to social injustice, religious intolerance, and division; and

Whereas, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism who lived from 1469 until 1539, is recognized as one of history’s greatest religious visionaries, teaching that there is only one God, known as Truth, who is eternal, formless, and realized through divine grace; and

Whereas, Guru Nanak emphasized three core tenets, including meditating and remembering God, earning an honest living, and sharing with those in need; and

Whereas, Guru Nanak’s teachings, expressed through profound poetry, laid the foundation for the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib; and

Whereas, Guru Nanak was a revolutionary of his time, who rejected the caste system and advocated for the equality of all people, regardless of caste, creed, or gender; and

Whereas, Guru Nanak’s message called for recognizing the entire human race as one and he openly challenged systems of discrimination and inequality, affirming the equal worth and dignity of every individual; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper for the people of New Jersey to celebrate Guru Nanak Gurpurab 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. Each year, the weekend closest to the day of Guru Nanak Gurpurab in the month of November, is designated as “Guru Nanak Gurpurab Weekend” in the State of New Jersey to honor and celebrate this important holiday in the Sikh community.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the weekend closest to the day of Guru Nanak Gurpurab in New Jersey as “Guru Nanak Gurpurab Weekend” and to call upon the public officials and citizens of this State to observe the weekend with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This resolution designates the weekend closest to the day of Guru Nanak Gurpurab in the month of November as “Guru Nanak Gurpurab Weekend.

Guru Nanak founded Sikhism 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. Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion with an estimated 30 million adherents, approximately one million of whom call the United States home. Guru Nanak emphasized three core tenets, including meditating and remembering God, earning an honest living, and sharing with those in need. His teachings laid the foundation for the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Nanak’s message called for recognizing the entire human race as one and he openly challenged systems of discrimination and inequality, affirming the equal worth and dignity of every individual.