Provided by Prince William County
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors recently recognized the 400th anniversary of the birth of Guru Teg Bahadurand, a hero of the Sikh religion, and proclaimed April 18 as Human Rights and Religious Freedom Day.
Nearly 30 million Sikhs around the world celebrate Bahadurand’s birthday. Bahadurand, the ninth Guru of the Sikh Religion, championed religious freedom for all and criticized forced religious conversions. His vocal protests led to his untimely death. Among Sikhs, Bahadurand was fondly known as Dharam Di Chador, or Shield of the Religious, for his sacrifice.
Members of the Sikh community in Prince William County have enriched their neighborhoods with a commitment to social tolerance, seeking peace through equality, fraternity and respect. Members of the Sikh community also strive to conquer hatred and division using sacred teachings and espousing tenets of sharing with those in need, hard work and volunteerism.
In recognizing the day set aside for Guru Teg Bahadurand and Human Rights and Religious Freedom Day, the Board invited all Prince William County residents to participate in the celebration.
