New York, USA, November 15th,(wishavwarta)-: The World Sikh Parliament's Councils for Religion and Civil & Human Rights organized the 345th martyrdom day and the 400th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at the Gurdwara Sahib, the Sikh Center of New York Inc., in New York City.On this occasion, State and City officials from New York joined Sikh Community members and recognized Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib as the protector of Human Rights.Catalina Cruz Assemblywomen from New York read the official citation from New York's General Assembly, recognizing Guru Teg Bahadur Ji's sacrifice to uphold human rights and justice. She also recognized the Sikh community organizations' work, including that of the World Sikh Parliament during the Covid-19 pandemic. She promised to recognize the birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji & the martyrdom day permanently in the NYC Assembly through a resolution.
She also agreed to recognize April 18th, 2021, as the "Human Rights Commitment" day. Jessica González-Rojas Newyork State Assemblywoman, Donovan Richards Queens's Borough President, Zohran Mamdani, Assemblyman, and Daniel, from Food Pantry, joined the event praised the commitment of the Sikh community towards human rights and social justice.Himmat Singh, Coordinator of World Sikh Parliament, thanked all the officials and ensured the WorldSikh Parliament's welfare council's continued support to combat covid-19. Himmat Singh worked hard
to get this citation passed. It is the first time that a citation is given to the Sikh community in New York.He said, "the sacrifice of Sri Guru Teg Sahib teaches every Sikh to be proactive and defend human rights and justice locally and abroad."
While giving historical references, Dr. Amarjit Singh, Spokesperson of the World Sikh Parliament, stressed the importance of active political activism and that the United Nations should also recognize this day.Many Sikh leaders from the east coast joined the event to pay their tributes to Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji's sacrifice, defending human rights and social justice. This event was possible with the joint effort of the World Sikh Parliament members of the US Region.
