Barack Obama extends greetings to Sikhs on tercentenary celebrations of Granth Sahib

October 21st, 2008 Source: www.thaindian.com

Washington, Oct.19 (ANI): U.S Presidential hopeful Barack Obama has extended his congratulations to the Sikh community here on the Tercentenary celebrations of Guruship of Guru Granth Sahib.

Obama, in his letter, addressed to the American Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, appreciated the opportunity to welcome everyone to the Tercentenary Celebration of the Guruship of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, hosted by the American Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee.

This event provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this significant and memorable milestone in Sikh history and culture. Throughout the world, Sikh communities are celebrating the tercentenary of the Guruship of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Obama said.

Obama stated: "Sri Guru Granth Sahib is considered the universal spiritual leader and guiding light for the Sikh community. In 1708, Guru Gobind Singh officially ordained Guru Granth Sahib as the final and perpetual Guru of Sikhs. This worldwide celebration will commemorate the 300 years of consecration of Guru Granth Sahib and the anniversary of the accession of Guru Gobind Singh.On this momentous occasion, both Sikh and non-Sikh community members will gather together to promote honour the contributions that Gurus have made to the Sikh community."

Obama also thanked the Sikhs for their efforts to promote cultural diversity.

"I would like to extend my congratulations to the American Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee and thank them for their ongoing efforts to promote cultural diversity and awareness on behalf of the Sikh community. I offer my best wishes for the success of tonights event."

Meanwhile, Mike Honda, Congressman, known for his association with the Sikh community and his support to them during hate-crime phase, has also sent his greetings to all Sikhs on this special occasion.

Dr. Pritpal Singh, Coordinator, American Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, said: "Of the various Gurudwaras across America, many U.S officials including Senate members , will attend the two day celebrations to be organised here between Oct.19-20." (ANI)

-By Ravinder Singh Robin

Comments

October 30, 2008 - 1:20pm Lassi

This was very nice from him!

Before his greetings i already supported him and still i hope he will be the next president because i believe that he will finally give a human face to the US and the whole World is starving for that after 8 years of republican destruction. There are also too many people still living under suppression within the US and in Obama they have hope for a better future first time in their lives. Just look at the number of voters in this election... Millions of people are excited about this campaign who never voted before. This is already a great achivement of him and his party. No question who must win this election. Anyway Obama's campaign was based on one of the most important Sikh principles called EQUALITY which we can not say about McCain's campaign.
October 26, 2008 - 7:24am Gregg (not verified)

Barack Obama extends...

I was thrilled to read this letter from Barack Obama. I am an Obama supporter and have already voted for him. May your celebration of this historical time be everything you want it to be... and more. Enjoy reading the Hukamnama every morning.
October 24, 2008 - 1:07pm Kiran200 (not verified)

Go Obama!!!!

Reading this I think that everyone should vote for Senator Obama because of his beliefs. I truly think that it will give Sikhs more freedom and individuality in the World.
October 21, 2008 - 9:59am Gurmeet Kaur (A...

Obama has helped Sikhs before and opposes Racial Profiling

Senator Obama has supported us by demanding an explanation for Transportation Security Administration (TSA's) turban screening procedure and urging them to work with the Sikh-American community to address the troubling policy that allowed America's 43,000 TSA screeners to pull aside turban-wearing travelers for secondary screenings. He also has a clear stance on ending Racial Profiling. Sikh Coalition an advocacy group for Sikhs sent questionnaires to both major party candidates on issues important to Sikhs. They’ve heard back from Senator Obama. Senator McCain’s campaign has told them he plans to respond, but has not gotten back to them in 8 months. Unfortunately, Coalition cannot disclose the one set of results as they have to be non-partisan. Follow the link below to help them convince the McCain campaign to respond to their questionnaire: http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/1607/t/380/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2341 * * But all in all; it clearly shows who is going to understand the Sikh Problems better. * * ਗੁਰਮੀਤ ਕੌਰ * http://gurmeetkaur.blogspot.com * http://greengurmeet.blogspot.com
October 21, 2008 - 9:04am aulakh11

obama!!!!

Mr.Obama needs the minority sector support to win and hes getting it,its total politics on the name of religion, well Indian politics is more worst then this,but at least he made the effort to congratulate the Sikhs on this occasion.
October 21, 2008 - 7:55am Harman

That's interesting

Well! Mr. Obama's wishes are very well accepted by AGPC as even the American Sikhs haven't forgotton the political implications of our religion. " On this momentous occasion, both Sikh and non-Sikh community members will gather together to promote honour the contributions that Gurus have made to the Sikh community." This statement would've been perfect if it ended with a single word i.e humanity/ mankind instead of Sikh-community. But still I must say that Mr. Obama's wishes have more than political significance, especially if VOTE-BANK politics is not a part of American statesmanship, something which is very common in Indian politics.

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