WHEREAS, California is home to a diverse population with rich cultural heritage of varying ethnic groups that contribute to the richness and diversity of the state; and

WHEREAS, According to founder Founded by Guru Nanak in 15th Century Punjab, the Sikh monotheistic tradition teaches its adherents to practice the universal principles of truthful living, service to humanity, and devotion to God; and

WHEREAS, The Sikh community began immigrating to the United States in the late 1800s and has played an important role in developing this country and the State of California while enriching American culture, history, economy, and diversity; and

WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world with more than 25,000,000 Sikhs worldwide, including more than 750,000 in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Sikhism places a primary focus on equality and the oneness of humanity and encourages those to practice “seva” meaning self-service, such as providing free food to the less fortunate in the community or helping at the Gurdwara, including cleaning, washing dishes, or serving in the “langar” meaning the kitchen where all are welcome to sit and eat together; and

WHEREAS, According to Sikhism, the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, left the world and indicated to the generations ahead to avoid idol worship and recognize the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the principal scripture of Sikhism, as the “Living and Eleventh Guru” of the Sikh religion; and

WHEREAS, Although Sikhs have made immense contributions throughout history, they have long faced oppression and discrimination throughout the rest of the world; and

WHEREAS, Guru Granth Sahib is written in Gurmukhi, commonly referred to as Sikh Script; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights document, 18 Commitments on “Faith for Rights,” included teaching and scripture from Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji meant to promote the interfaith and interreligious harmony, peace, and human rights; and

WHEREAS, According to the Sikh religion and history, Sikhs share a unique set of beliefs, practices practices, and ancestry that are altogether different from other existing religions; and

WHEREAS, The value and tolerance of religious diversity grounded in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Constitution, the state’s promotion of a culture of mutual understanding, and the importance of reducing violence, violence are all of which are consistent with Sikhism and the teachings of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji; now, therefore, be it