Sweeney Joins in 550^th Birthday Celebration of Founder of Sikhism

Trenton – Senate President Steve Sweeney joined the East Coast Sikh Coordination Committee and members of the greater Sikh community today in celebrating Guru Nanak’s 550^th birthday. Nanak was the founder of Sikhism, which has nearly 30 million followers throughout the world and roughly one million devotees in the United States.

“Sikhism is a religion rooted in the belief that every person is equal, regardless of race, gender, sex, or creed. That is why we found it fitting to designate Guru Nanak’s 550th birthday as World Equality Day,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “These guiding principles of the religion are important aspirations, particularly in this divided time, and ones we could all benefit from working towards.”

A spiritual thinker and religious innovator, Guru Nanak denounced the caste system and instead preached about the common bonds shared by all of humanity. The movement strives to conquer communal hatred and division. A holistic understanding of peace, supported by the ideas of equality and fraternity, is an integral part of the Sikh tradition.

“The Indian community, especially the Sikh community, is a swiftly growing influential force in New Jersey, both politically and economically,” said Harjinder Singh, Media Spokesman of Sikh Coordination Committee. “We really appreciate the Senate President recognizing our determination in making New Jersey a welcoming home for all Sikhs, while also strengthening our relationships and bonds with every community in New Jersey. I and the entire Sikh community look forward to working with him in the future.”

The Senate and Assembly recently passed a joint resolution marking the day as “World Equality Day”.