Sikh granthi scripts history, opens US House of Representatives proceedings with 'ardas'

Sikh granthi creates history: In a historic move and for the first time ever in US, the session of the US House of Representatives began with Sikh prayers. 

For the first time in United States presidential system, Sikh granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh from Pine Hill Gurdwara in New Jersey offered prayers to began the procedures of the of the US House of Representatives. 

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Hailing from Pine Hill Gurdwara in New Jersey, Granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh started the day's proceedings at the House with 'ardas'. The prayers before the proceedings are normally offered by a Christian priest.

Before the ‘ardas’, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced that Granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh would begin the Sikh procedures.

Describing the first-ever Sikh prayers in US House of Representatives as a historic occasion, Congressman Donald Norcross said that Granthi Giani Jaswinder Singh is the first Sikh chaplain to make prayers in the US House of Representatives.

“The history made today is a reminder that the United States welcomes and values and will remain committed to free expression of religion. Giani Singh has made South Jersey proud today and it is an honour to be a part of this moment with him,” Norcross said. 

Notably, Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar launched the formation of a new Congressional Caucus aimed at protecting the interests of Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains living in the US during session of US House of Representatives

The Caucus aims at addressing cultural misunderstandings and promoting interfaith dialogue and harmony. It supports initiatives to promote Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain Americans' well-being, education and empowerment.

The newly formed Caucus has bipartisan support from both, Republicans and Democrats, and more than 27 US lawmakers have supported it.

The US Congressman further said that the launch of the Caucus is a commitment to stand against religious discrimination, and cultivate a nation where diversity is not just “tolerated, but celebrated”.

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The developments come amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada over the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.