Bush greets Sikhs on 300th anniv of Scriptures

Washington, Jun 22: President George W Bush has conveyed warm greetings to Sikhs across the US and world on the 300th anniversary of the Sikh Scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib, as the community will celebrate the event in October this year.

"Sikhism teaches its followers to respect the equality of all people, defend the weak, lead lives of compassion and generosity, and work hard," Mr Bush said in his message to the Sikh community. Praising the Sikh community, he said, ''I applaud the Sikh community for your respect for human life and your strong devotion to family and faith. With this message of compassion, humility, and love, Sikhs make the world a more peaceful and hopeful place.'' ''Laura and I send our best wishes on this special occasion,'' Mr Bush said.

Dr Rajwant Singh, Chairman of The Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) said, '' The Sikh community is pleased with President Bush's greetings and we appreciate this gesture by the President. Bush administration and the White House has always stood by Sikhs since 9/11 tragedy and its negative impact on the community.'' SCORE has worked with the White House on number of issues related to Sikhs and it had also organised the first ever Sikh event at the White House in 2004.

UNI