The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING SIKH MASTER GURU TEGH BAHADUR
(Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the American and global Sikh community as they celebrate the 400th birth anniversary of their ninth Sikh Master Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Master Guru Tegh Bahadur lived a very meaningful life. He was one of the 10 gurus who founded Sikhism.
Islam was imposed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Hindu temples were destroyed and turned into mosques, and the emperor persecuted those who would not convert to Islamic law.
Guru Tegh Bahadur spoke out amid the persecution. He refused to convert to Islam and, in 1675, he was beheaded in Delhi. He is celebrated in the Sikh community because of his heroic efforts in defending religious freedoms. Because of his efforts to protect human rights, he is often referred to as Srishti Chadar, protector of humanity.
Madam Speaker, Master Guru Tegh Bahadur's memory inspires us to work even harder to support religious freedoms for everyone everywhere.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 66
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