Oregon declares April as Baisakhi month

Washington, April 11

The US state of Oregon has declared April as the “Sikh American Community’s Celebration of Baisakhi month” in recognition of the minority community’s contribution.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a proclamation on Monday. It said Sikhs in the US pursued diverse professions and walks of life, making rich contribution to the economic vibrancy of the US as farmers, engineers, doctors and scientists. The city of Salem has declared April 14 as Baisakhi Festival Day.

In the past month, Oregon is the fourth American state to have dedicated April to Sikhism. The others are Indiana, Delaware and New Jersey.

“This is an important event in the history of Sikh Americans in Oregon,” said local businessman Bahadur Singh, Ghadar Memorial Foundation chairman, who led the delegation to receive the proclamation. -- PTI