(TRENTON) – A new law sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, Raj Mukherji, Carol Murphy, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin designates every April in New Jersey as ‘Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month.’
“As one of the most diverse states in the nation, New Jersey is home to many diverse cultures. The people of Sikh faith in our state have a rich and unique history, and we must bring awareness to this thriving community,” said Majority Leader Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington). “I am very proud of the unanimous support this legislation gained in the Assembly and commend Governor Murphy on moving to sign this legislation quickly.”
The law (AJR-93) is meant to bring a greater awareness to the robust Sikh population in New Jersey and the contributions they have made to the state. There are approximately 27 million Sikhs in the world, with one of the largest Sikh populations in the United States calling New Jersey home. The resolution sponsored by Greenwald, Mukherji, Murphy and Coughlin was approved by the Assembly on March 26 and signed into law on April 9.
“Sikhism is one of the world’s major religions, and one that is often misunderstood,” said Mukherji (D-Hudson). “The historic appointment of Attorney General Grewal and the recent elections of Mayor Bhalla and Freeholder Singh, coupled with this resolution, will give New Jersey’s Sikh community the recognition they deserve and help with public education and awareness.”
“We have recently elected the first Sikh public officials in the history of our great state, in Balvir Singh and Ravinder Bhalla,” said Murphy (D-Burlington). “Sikhs have come a long way in New Jersey, and this resolution necessarily recognizes the contributions Sikhs have made in our state.”
“New Jersey is home to many people of varying races, religions, and ethnicities, who have all helped make New Jersey a better place for all of us, said Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “It is important to pay homage and show Sikhs how important they are to our communities.”