US lawmakers: Principles of Guru Nanak Dev more relevant today

philosophy and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev echoed corridors of US Capitol as powerful American lawmakers and eminent Indian-Americans celebrated 550th birth anniversary of founder of Sikhism and underscored that his principles were more relevant today than ever before.

Republican Senator from Indiana Todd Young, who has introduced a resolution in Senate on occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, said Sikh-Americans had succeeded in making a profound impact across US because y  followed teachings of first Sikh guru. "While radical for his day some 500 years ago, teachings of first Sikh guru who we celebrate today were consistent with our nation's founding principles and teaching that everyone, regardless of , regardless of class, regardless of creed, everyone has been created equal," Young said.

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In his address to a Capitol Hill event organised by Indian embassy to celebrate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, Senator Young said his neighbourhood is full of Sikh American families. "I'm also glad that your commitment to equality and inclusion has led to historic agreement which allowed border corridor between India and Pakistan to be thrown open for Sikhs to visit Guru Nanak's shrine just in time for this 550th birthday," Young said.

Congresswoman Judy Chu, founding member of Congressional Sikh Caucus and chair of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said life of Guru Nanak Dev "was a true example to all of us and one whose lessons we would do well to heed today".

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ting that Guru Nanak was a true humanitarian champion in face of entrenched discrimination, she said he preached against prejudices based on race, cast, and status. He called for equality of all individuals matter what religion y practised or caste y belong to.

"He promoted equality of all women during a time when women had low status and little respect within society. re is so much as a country that we should take away from teachings of Guru Nanak. His legacy is a legacy of peace and equality," Chu said.

Republican Congressman Greg Pence from Indiana referred to his speech on House floor earlier in day. "Mr speaker, I rise today to recognise a very special day for Hoosier Sikh community and 550th birthday of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism," he said.

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This occasion is celebrated by more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide on vember 12th, 2019, he said. Indiana is proud to be home of over 10,000 Sikhs that enrich our communities, embody meaning of Hoosier values. Hoosier Sikhs are one of fastest growing business communities in Indiana and re are contributions to our ecomy and cultural value," he said. "On this day, I am proud to stand with our friends in Sikh community by offering legislation to celebrate this momentous occasion and hour ir contributions to Indiana and to our great nation," Pence said.

New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Singh Grewal said re was a need to raise awareness about Sikh faith more today than ever before and highlight Sikhs' contributions to society. "We also need to address how our teachings remain relevant in modern era," said first-ever Sikh Attorney General of any US State.

Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that opening of Kartarpur corridor between India and Pakistan was a historic day. Indian government has taken several actions to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, he said. "We are very happy of course, that on this particular day we have at Capitol Hill such an important event that involves t only discourse on Sikh religion and history, but also disproportionate contribution of Sikh American community to your country of citizenship," he said. event was also marked by an exhibition on life and teachings of founder of Sikhism along with two panel discussions. 

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