Washington DC, USA, 29 April 2022 (Manpreet Singh) – State of Connecticut General Assembly recognized April 29th as Sikh Genocide Remembrance day. Citation was issued by State Senator Cathy Osten which was co-sponsored by several other State Senators and State Representatives.
Citation read as “Be it hereby known to all that The Connecticut General Assembly offers its sincerest congratulations to The World Sikh Parliament In recognition of the 36th anniversary of the declaration of Sikh independence. We join with you, your friends and family in commemorating the historic resolution passed on April 29th,1986 by a collective sikh nation gathering known as “Sarbat Khalsa”, at Sikh political center “Akal Takhat” situated in the holy city of Amritsar,Punjab.”
It was read today outside Norwich City Hall where Mayor Peter Nystrom and Norwich City Council Members Swaranjit Singh Khalsa and Derell Wilson were also present.The City of Norwich also proclaimed April 29th as Sikh Declaration of Independence Day and gave Proclamation to sikh community.
Sarbat Khalsa appointed Akal Takhat Jathedar, Jathedar Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara’s message was also read today on this special celebration, that attained special attention from the present guests.
Himmat Singh, Coordinator of World Sikh Parliament said “City of Norwich and State of Connecticut have been wonderful community partners and always gave a platform to Sikhs to share their sentiments and struggles”. Dr.Amarjit Singh Spokesman of World Sikh Parliament was keynote speaker and shined the light on History of this day and highlighted the fact that indian govt. pushed sikhs to this point that they had to pass this resolution and declare their will to be independent. Swaranjit Singh Khalsa member Norwich City Council, highlighted the fact that Punjab is a transnational region and still seeks its independence under United Nations guidelines.
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy’s special message was read at this occasion. Lt.Governor Susan Bysiewicz also sent her best wishes to sikh community which was read by City of Norwich representatives.
Large number of guests and leaders attended this Friday event including all Connecticut Gurudwara Representatives and local Sikh Organizations. Many other sikh leaders came and shared their sentiments.
