Mr. Speaker, the world Sikh community lost a towering figure with the passing of Giani Sant Singh Maskeen.
Maskeen travelled around the globe delivering discourses to religious congregations. An exemplary preacher, Maskeen had a gift to reach and inspire his listeners. For nearly five decades, he dedicated his life to religion and was the undisputed number one interpreter of Gurbani. He authored more than a dozen books on Sikhism and his daily discourses of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji were broadcast worldwide on Indian national TV.
Maskeen had a thorough knowledge of Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism and treated all religions with equal respect. He was down to earth and had a simple and frugal lifestyle. He never hesitated to speak the truth.
Maskeen's death is a great loss to the Sikh community, and Sikhs around the world grieve his passing.
I ask all members to join me in conveying condolences and prayers to Sikhs around the world.