The opening of the US House of Representatives session with Sikh prayers was a historic decision and a first for the US. Sikh granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh from Pine Hill Gurdwara in New Jersey offered prayers to start the US House of Representatives’ business for the first time in the country’s presidential system.
Granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh, a native of Pine Hill Gurdwara in New Jersey, opened the day’s proceedings at the House with “ardas.” A Christian priest typically offers the opening prayers before the proceedings.
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy indicated that Granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh will start the Sikh rituals prior to the ‘ardas’.
Congressman Donald Norcross called the first-ever Sikh prayers in the US House of Representatives a historic event and noted that Granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh is the first Sikh chaplain to offer prayers there.
United States welcomes and values
“The history made today is a reminder that the United States welcomes and values and will remain committed to free expression of religion. Giani Singh has made South Jersey proud today and it is an honour to be a part of this moment with him,” Norcross said.
During a US House of Representatives session, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar made headlines by announcing the formation of a new Congressional Caucus to defend the interests of Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains living in the US.
The Caucus seeks to solve cultural issues
misunderstandings and encouraging unity and interfaith communication. It backs programmes that advance the welfare, education, and empowerment of Americans who identify as Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, or Jain.
More than 27 US lawmakers, including both Republicans and Democrats, have endorsed the newly created Caucus.
The US Congressman went on to say that the Caucus’ founding represents a commitment to fight religious prejudice and foster a society where diversity is not only “tolerated, but celebrated.”
The news comes as India and Canada are embroiled in a diplomatic spat over the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
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