The passage of a unanimous resolution by American Congress last month honouring the late Yogi Bhajan, a popular Sikh religious leader in the United States, is being celebrated this week at Washington DC.

Yogi Bhajan, also known as Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh [Images] Khalsa Yogiji died on October 6, 2004.

In the history of the US Congress, his (Yogi Bhajan) admirers point out, only a handful of spiritual leaders have ever inspired a Joint Resolution from US Congress honouring their life and work. They include Martin Luther King, Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa.

On April 5 and 6, the US House of Representatives and the US Senate respectively passed a Joint Resolution praising the life and work of Yogi Bhajan.

The Resolution read, in part: "The (US) Congress - (1) recognises that the teachings of Yogi Bhajan about Sikhism and yoga, and the businesses formed under his inspiration, improved the personal, political, spiritual, and professional relations between citizens of the United States and the citizens of India; (2) recognizes the legendary compassion, wisdom, kindness, and courage of Yogi Bhajan, and his wealth of accomplishments on behalf of the Sikh community...."

"And (3) extends its condolences to Inderjit Kaur, wife of Yogi Bhajan, his three children and five grandchildren, and to Sikh communities around the Nation and the world upon the death of Yogi Bhajan..."

The House Resolution, which passed by a voice-recorded vote of 405-0, was sponsored by US Representative Tom Udall.

The Senate Resolution was passed by unanimous consent. It was sponsored by US Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici and co-sponsored by John Cornyn.