Indians from all faiths have welcomed the US Congress’ move to start its session with Sikh prayers, which many say indicates that Hindus, Jains, Christians, and others make a clear distinction between Khalistan propagators and the followers of Sikhism.
On Friday, former head Granthi of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Giani Jaswinder Singh led the US House of Representatives in offering prayers to the Almighty by reciting ‘shabad’.
The move comes at a time when separatist Khalistani activities are back in focus in Canada, the US, and the UK, with extremists issuing threats to moderate Sikhs and other people of Indian origin who don’t support their agenda.
On the same day, Indian-origin Representative Shri Thanedar announced the establishment of a new Congressional caucus aimed at safeguarding the interests of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists residing in the US.
This caucus garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans, with more than 27 lawmakers endorsing it.
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Indians welcome move, say Sikhs and Khalistanis are different
The majority of the Indian diaspora in the US, as well as resident Indians, have appreciated the move to include Sikh prayers in the US House of Representatives.
FLASH: Sikh prayer opened up the U.S. House of Representatives on September 29 for the first time amid reports saying that U.S. has provided information to Canada connecting India to the killing of Khalistani sympathizer #HardeepSinghNijjar.#CanadaIndiaRelations pic.twitter.com/klfPK06qxt
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) October 1, 2023
On social media, they have commended the event and taken pride in the recognition of an Indic religion in the United States. They have emphasized that Sikhs are an integral part of India, while the secessionist Khalistani mindset represents a minority within the Sikh community.
History of Hindu prayers in US Congress
This is not the first time that Indic religions found a place in the US Congress. In September 2000, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed the session, accompanied by Venkatachalapathi Samuldrala, the head priest of a Shiva temple in Ohio, who was invited to lead the prayers.
However, this move stirred controversy, with criticism from Christian groups.
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In 2007, another Hindu priest, Rajan Zed, faced opposition during his prayer in the US Senate, with heckling even taking place from the Senate gallery.
In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard became the first-ever Hindu to become a part of US Congress.
In 2022, Indian-origin Member of Parliament Pam Gosal recited a Sikh prayer before taking her oath inside the Scottish Parliament.