SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 662          WHEREAS, On April 13, 2017, members of the Sikh community   are coming together in Texas and around the world to celebrate   Vaisakhi, one of the most important dates on the Sikh calendar; and          WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth-largest religion in the   world, with more than 25 million adherents, including an   estimated 700,000 in the United States; the majority of Sikhs   live in the Punjab province of India, in the region where the   religion was founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev; and          WHEREAS, A monotheistic faith, Sikhism teaches respect for   all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background;   it stresses the importance of doing good in the world and   demonstrating such positive values as humility, diligence,   generosity, and self-sacrifice in daily life; and          WHEREAS, Vaisakhi celebrates the founding in 1699 of the   devout Sikh fellowship known as the Khalsa; Guru Gobind Singh   bestowed on all Khalsa men the surname Singh, meaning "lion," as   a reminder to be courageous, and women accepted the surname Kaur,   or "princess," to emphasize dignity; and          WHEREAS, The first Sikhs came to the United States in the   1890s to build railroads, work on California farms, or labor in   the lumber mills of the Pacific Northwest; since then, Sikh   Americans in all walks of life have contributed to the social,   cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States; and          WHEREAS, The festival of Vaisakhi presents an ideal   opportunity to affirm the belief in justice, equality, and   freedom that is cherished by all Americans and by Sikhs the world   over; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th   Legislature, hereby commemorate the festival of Vaisakhi and   extend to all Sikh Texans sincere best wishes for a meaningful   and memorable observance.       Menéndez                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on April 24, 2017.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate