The Sikh community in New Jersey has a reason to celebrate! Thanks to the consistent efforts of the Sikh Coordinating Committee USA (SCCEC), the State of New Jersey has officially proclaimed April 14th as “Sikh Day.” This significant achievement recognizes the invaluable contributions of Sikhs to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the state.
The proclamation, issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, acknowledges the consistent efforts of the Sikh Coordinating Committee USA. On March 26, 2018, the NJ Assembly and Senate unanimously passed two bills to:
Declare April 14th every year as “Sikh Day.”
Recognize the Month of April every year as “Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month.”
Governor Murphy signed these bills into evergreen NJ laws on April 9, 2018.
Every year in April, New Jersey school teachers educate students about Sikhism. Also, every year, the NJ Governor issues a proclamation declaring “April 14 as Sikh Day” to honor Khalsa Sirjana Divas and Vaisakhi.
The Proclamation itself notes several key aspects of Sikhism and its importance to New Jersey:
It recognizes the cultural and intellectual diversity of New Jersey.
It acknowledges that the Sikh community plays an integral role in strengthening the religious, social, and political fabric of the State.
It notes that Sikhism is the world’s fifth largest religion, with approximately 500,000 adherents in the United States.
It highlights Sikhism’s emphasis on equality, selfless service, and interfaith dialogue.
SCCEC has been instrumental in building bridges and fostering understanding between the Sikh community and the wider society. This landmark proclamation is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to promoting Sikh awareness and advocating for the rights of all.
This proclamation serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diversity of cultures and faiths that enrich our society. It is also a call to action for all of us to work towards a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone is valued and respected.
