NY J03303

Requests Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recognize the cultural, religious, and interfaith importance of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the "Living Guru" of Sikhs and declare Sikhs as a distinct ethnic and religious minority

Notes Sikhism is the fifth largest religion worldwide with over 25 million adherents, including more than 750,000 in the United States, with Sikh immigration to the U.S. beginning in the late 1800s

Highlights the Sikh religion's emphasis on truthful living, service to humanity, and devotion to God, including community contributions such as providing free meals to those in need through events like "Let's Share a Meal" in New York County

Acknowledges that the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was declared a "Juristic Person" by India's Supreme Court on March 29, 2000, and has been recognized by the United Nations as promoting interfaith harmony, peace, and human rights

Directs copies of the resolution be sent to the Governor and the New York Attorney General