Bush greets Sikhs ahead of Guru Nanak's 538th birth anniversary

U.S. President George W. Bush has sent his warm greetings to Sikhs in America and India ahead of the 538th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.

The Sikh community is celebrating this auspicious occasion on November 24.

The Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) in Washington received this message from the White House. Dr. Rajwant Singh, the Chairman of SCORE, thanked President Bush for extending best wishes to the Sikh community.

In his massage to the Sikh community President Bush said, "I send greetings to those celebrating the anniversary of Guru Nanak's birth.

While emphasizing the concept of religious freedom, President Bush further added, "Our nation benefits from a strong tradition of faith, and religious diversity is an important part of this heritage. The teachings of Guru Nanak provide strength and support to thousands of Sikhs in America and millions more around the world. Their belief in a loving God reminds us of the gift of religious freedom in our country and helps make the world a more hopeful place."

He praised the Sikh community by saying, "I appreciate the Sikh community for your strong devotion to faith and family. By sharing Guru Nanak's messages of truth, contentment, compassion, humility and love, you are helping change lives, one heart and one soul at a time" Bush further added, "Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyous occasion."

While talking to ANI from Washington, Dr. Rajwant Singh said, "The Sikh community in the United States is extremely pleased with President Bush's greetings. This definitely recognizes the Sikh presence in the U. S. and it further strengthens the roots of our future generations. This helps in solidifying our belief that America welcomes all religions and diversity is its strength. This very much coincides with Sikh thinking as well."

After 9/11 Sikh community had happen to victimized of hate crime due to mistaken identity. Sikhs were victimized in US because they sport beards and wear turbans and Osama ben Laden an Afghans leader also sports a beard and wears a turban. However, efforts were being made to get people aware about the Sikhs and their culture and custom but the Sikh leadership has opined that a massive campaign is yet to be launched in US.

Recently in a bid to resolve the Turban Issue the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States has offered jobs to Sikh youths based in America. Which was widely appreciated by the Sikh community living around the world. (ANI)

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