Bipartisan resolution celebrates Sikh Americans’ heritage, religious liberty, service, and lasting contributions to our nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — For generations, Sikh Americans have served, built, led, and strengthened communities across the United States. Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Sikh History Month and honoring Sikh Americans’ faith, heritage, service, and contributions to our nation. The month provides a fitting point of recognition for Sikh history and identity, often coinciding with Vaisakhi, a defining observance that marks the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

The resolution, introduced with Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), was inspired by the advocacy of Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, a PA-1 constituent and Sikh community leader, who worked with Fitzpatrick to bring Sikh History Month before Congress.

“Sikh Americans have strengthened this nation through faith, service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity,” said Fitzpatrick. “In working with Dr. Bakhshish Singh Sandhu of Bensalem and members of our PA-1 Sikh community, I have seen how deeply Sikh principles of equality, religious freedom, honest work, courage, and service reflect the best of the American spirit. This resolution is about honoring that legacy, deepening understanding, and ensuring the Sikh American story is told with the accuracy, respect, and gratitude it deserves—as an essential part of the American story.”

“As the founder of the Congressional American Sikh Caucus, I am proud to help lead this bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Sikh History Month,” said Chu. “The Sikh principles of equality, social justice, and community service inspire me as a public servant, and should guide us all as we embrace the diversity of our country and strive to create a more peaceful world. By uplifting the Sikh community and faith, we can continue to fight against harmful religious misunderstanding and discrimination through understanding and education.”

“The Sikh community embodies the core values of both Jersey and the United States — equality, justice, and service to others — while making significant contributions across business, technology, education, the arts, the military, and public service,” said Gottheimer. “I’m proud to co-introduce the Sikh History Month resolution to recognize this community’s heritage and contributions to our great nation.”

“As co-founder and co-chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan resolution to designate April as Sikh History Month,” said Valadao. “This effort is an important opportunity to highlight the core principles of the Sikh faith—earning an honest living, remembering God, and sharing with others—while also recognizing the strong tradition of service that defines the Sikh community. This resolution is an important step toward religious tolerance for all, and I’m proud to support it.”

The resolution recognizes Sikh Americans’ contributions to the United States while promoting greater education, awareness, and respect for religious diversity.

The resolution advances several key goals, including:

• Recognizing the history, culture, heritage, and contributions of the Sikh community;
• Highlighting Sikhism’s core principles of equality, social justice, community service, and human dignity;
• Promoting education about Sikh identity, history, and articles of faith;
• Encouraging public programs, classroom discussions, and cultural events to foster awareness and respect;
• Honoring Sikh Americans’ contributions through military service, entrepreneurship, humanitarian relief, civic leadership, and advocacy for human rights; and
• Reaffirming America’s commitment to religious liberty, pluralism, and the freedom of all people to live their faith openly and with dignity. 

“Sikhism is a monotheistic egalitarian religion, its teachings promote equal rights, religious freedom, human equality, with emphasis on gender equality.  Sikhism's three fundamental principles are remembering God, working hard, and sharing with and caring for others, as well as community service and ending the caste system. It believes in protecting the weak and stopping the tyrants. Sikhs in their daily prayer wish for the wellness of the whole human race. I would like to thank Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for leading this important legislation," said Bakhshish Singh Sandhu, MD, PA-1 Constituent, Co-founder of Sikhs for Justice, and President of the Council of Khalistan. 

“We thank the American Sikh Congressional Caucus and especially Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for their leadership on this important resolution. Sikh Americans deeply cherish the economic, religious, and political freedoms that this country extends to all. The founding of the Khalsa is a reminder of the duty to stand for liberty, serve others, and keep working together to build a more perfect Union. This resolution honors the contributions Sikh Americans have made for generations and affirms that our community’s history, service, and aspirations are an enduring part of the American promise," said Dr. Pritpal Singh, American Sikh Caucus Committee.

 “In April, Sikhs in Gurdwaras across the world commemorate the founding of the Khalsa, when our tenth Guru codified enduring values of equality, freedom, justice, self-reliance, and service. We are deeply thankful to live in the United States, where we are free to practice these principles and pass them to future generations. We are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for advancing this resolution and for recognizing that Sikh Americans—who have been here since the late 1800s—have long served this nation with distinction in the military, in federal and state law enforcement, in farming, in medicine, in business, and in our neighborhoods. We pray that people of all faiths, including members of our community around the world, may enjoy the same freedoms and dignity that we cherish here in America,” said Gurdev Singh Nannan, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC).

“We appreciate Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for championing this resolution and recognizing the place of Sikh Americans in the life of this nation. Sikh values call us to serve humanity, and that commitment has guided humanitarian relief efforts, community support, and advocacy for those in need across the United States and around the world. This resolution is a meaningful acknowledgment of a community that is proud to be American, grateful for this country’s freedoms, and committed to serving all people with compassion and dignity," said Hardayal Singh, United Sikhs.

 “Education, awareness and dialogue on culture, history and heritage are central to combat ignorance, bigotry and discrimination against the Sikh community. I commend Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for introducing this landmark resolution for designating the month of April as 'Sikh History Month' as it holds special significance on the birth of Sikh identity. By designating April as Sikh History Month, the awareness and education about the contribution of Sikhs through service, entrepreneurship, military service, advocacy of human rights and the awareness on culture, history and heritage through schools, universities and public institutions, can be included in the broader narrative of American society," said Bhupindar Singh, Sikh Youth Alliance Inc (NJ).  

 “We are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congressman David Valadao, Congresswoman Judy Chu, and Congressman Josh Gottheimer for introducing this important resolution and for helping elevate Sikh American history and identity. At Jakara, we see every day how education, youth engagement, and interfaith outreach can build stronger bridges across communities. Sikh History Month is an opportunity not only to recognize the contributions of Sikh Americans, but also to deepen mutual understanding and bring people of different backgrounds together in a spirit of respect, service, and shared citizenship," said Gurjit Singh, Jakara Movement.

 “This resolution affirms what Sikh Americans have known for generations: our history is part of the American story, and we are profoundly grateful for the freedom to live our faith, serve our neighbors, and contribute to this country we proudly call home,” said Himmat Singh, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast.

 Read the full resolution here.

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