Washington/USA (November 10, 2011): President Barack Obama sent greetings to the Sikh community worldwide on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev ji’s 342nd birth-anniversary today. Sikhs are marking today the birth anniversary of their own founder, Guru Nanak, born in 1469 and it is the fifth largest religion with 26 million adherents worldwide.
In a statement issued through the office of the Press Secretary, President Obama while praising Guru Nanak’s philosophy, said, “I send my best wishes to all those observing the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. He stated, “On this occasion, we are reminded of the fundamental principles of Sikhism, including the equality of all people, the sanctity of living an honest life, and the importance of service to our neighbors. ” He reminded that ” I’m proud that during my presidency the White House hosted the first celebration of the birth of Guru Nanak, and our country is grateful for the extraordinary contributions that Sikh Americans have made to our nation.” Obama also added, ” As Sikhs across America and around the world celebrate the life of Guru Nanak, all of us can draw inspiration from his message of equality, honesty, and helping those who are in need.” Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, who has worked with the White House to organize the two celebrations of Guru Nanak’s birthday, said, “We are thankful to President Obama for this wonderful gesture to our community. It is evident that this President has done many things to show Sikhs being part of the American mainstream who have been part of America from last 100 years. His respect for Sikhism and Guru Nanak is heartening and it show that he is a man of values. We pray for his success in taking the country on the path of recovery and prosperity.”
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Copy of Statement:
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 2011 Statement by the President on the Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji I send my best wishes to all those observing the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. On this occasion, we are reminded of the fundamental principles of Sikhism, including the equality of all people, the sanctity of living an honest life, and the importance of service to our neighbors. I’m proud that during my presidency the White House hosted the first celebration of the birth of Guru Nanak, and our country is grateful for the extraordinary contributions that Sikh Americans have made to our nation. As Sikhs across America and around the world celebrate the life of Guru Nanak, all of us can draw inspiration from his message of equality, honesty, and helping those who are in need.