Res 1872-2021

By Council Members Vallone and Louis (by request of the Mayor) Whereas, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee, the ninth Guru of the Sikh religion, was born on April 1, 1621 in the city of Amritsar in the Indian state of Punjab; and Whereas, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee composed 116 divine hymns that have been included in the holy religious scripture of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and which preach the message of unity and compassion; and Whereas, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee undertook extensive tours of India to not only teach Sikhism, but to create awareness of human rights, social justice, secularism, and national unity; and Whereas, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee emphasized democratic ideals in his religious practice, including the protection of the dharma, or moral law, which is the basis of Sikh tradition, resistance to tyranny, and respect and tolerance for all lifestyles; and Whereas, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee advocated for religious freedom during the rule of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and Whereas, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee was publicly executed in 1675 for his opposition to religious persecution; and Whereas, the declaration of December 8 as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee Day in the city of New York will commemorate one of the founders of the Sikh religion and advocate for religious freedom and human rights; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the city of New York declare December 8 as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Jee Day.