For the second consecutive year, the White House celebrated 'Gurparb', the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, with traditional 'kirtan' on Friday, as President Barack Obama greeted the community on the "extraordinary occasion" saying Americans shared principles of Sikhism like equality and interfaith cooperation.
Eminent members of the Sikh community attended the Gurparb celebrations at the executive mansion and were welcomed by senior officials led by Christina M Tchen, head of the White House Office of Public Engagement. "Obama has deep regards for the Sikh community and we are eager to work with you all," Tchen said, addressing the 120 Sikhs from across the US, who were present on the occasion attired in colorful turbans and traditional Punjabi dresses.
In his message, Obama said: "On Sunday, many around the world will observe the anniversary of birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. I send my best wishes to all those observing this extraordinary occasion."
"This is also an opportunity to recognise the many contributions that Sikh Americans have made to our nation, and to reflect on the pluralism that is a hallmark of America. Sikhism's principles of equality, service, interfaith cooperation and respect are principles shared by all Americans," he said.
"As Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak, people of good will everywhere can identify with his teachings on the equality of all humankind and the need for compassion in our service to others," Obama said. The programme started with the traditional kirtan with harmonium and tabla performed by Ragi Nirmal Singh Nagpuri and Sukhjeevan Singh of the Golden Temple. They sang a hymn in praise of Guru Nanak and a hymn written by Guru Nanak conveying the message of universality.
Official speeches were interspersed by a series of Sikh greetings Jo Bole So Nihal and thunderous response of Sat Sri Akal which means -
In addition, Bandana Kaur Malik, Programme Director of EcoSikh, spoke on Guru Nanak's philosophy of equality, humility and service. Karandeep Singh from Pennsylvania spoke on Guru Nanak's perspective of building a society with respect and acceptance of all faiths and groups.
"We are thankful to President Obama for this kind gesture of organising this celebration and issuing a message to the
entire Sikh community," said Rajwant Singh, chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), who helped
organise the event.
"This is once again an acknowledgment of Sikh community's vibrant presence in America. Sikh youngsters are proud of
their community's recognition by the highest institution of the United States," he said.
Kiran Ahuja, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, also spoke on the issues such as bullying in the schools of Sikh children, negative profiling and security barriers.
In addition, Amardeep Singh, a Sikh appointee on the Asian-Americans panel, spoke on the occasion. Among senior Obama administration officials present was Kalpen Modi, an Indian-American actor and now associate director of the Public Engagement Office.
Aneesh Chopra, the Chief Technology Officer of the Obama Administration, Pradeep Ramamurthy of National Security
Council and various other officials from the State Department, Justice Department and Education Department joined the
celebrations.
