LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim August 2014 as Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to set aside official months which foster
ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 2014 as Hindu American
Awareness and Appreciation Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is made greater by the diverse heritage
of its people; subsequently, it is honored to recognize and acknowledge
the significant contributions made by New Yorkers of Hindu heritage; and
WHEREAS, The rich historic contributions of Hindu culture are renowned
and include the establishment of the first university in 800 BCE in
India; multiple areas of mathematics including algebra and geometry;
holistic (Ayurvedic) medicine dating as far back as 1000 BCE in Hindu
texts; Sushrata, "the Father of Surgery," an ancient Indian surgeon who
authored the book SUSHRATA SAMHITA in which he described over 300 surgi-
cal procedures; Sanskrit, the most ancient systematic language in the
world; and the practice of yoga and meditation; and
WHEREAS, Hinduism was introduced widely to Americans by Swami Viveka-
nanda at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893; he estab-
lished the Vedanta Center of New York in 1894, and spent considerable
time at the Ridgely Estate; his Vedanta philosophy influenced many nota-
ble Americans; and
WHEREAS, New York and the United States have been influenced by the
extraordinary cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity of
its residents; of the over one billion Hindus worldwide, more than 2
million Hindus live in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Hindu Americans in New York State represent diverse ethnic
backgrounds including individuals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Malaysia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Fiji, the
Caribbean, Trinidad, Guyana, Suriname, and Europe; and
WHEREAS, The Maha Vallabha Ganapathi Devastanam temple, owned by the
Hindu Temple Society of North America, was the earliest traditional
Hindu temple in New York, consecrated on July 4, 1977, in Flushing, New
York; and
WHEREAS, To date, there are now more than 260 Hindu temples in New
York State, more than one quarter of which are located in the greater
New York City area; and
WHEREAS, Hindu Americans share the entrepreneurial spirit of America
and have been pioneers and leaders in the technology sector creating
businesses that have contributed billions of dollars in market value to
the economy; forty percent of all Silicon Valley start-ups were created
by Hindu Americans, employing 20,000 to 30,000 persons; and
WHEREAS, While American Hindus represent the world's eighth largest
population of Hindus, they account for only .5% of the United States
population but represent more than five percent of scientists, engi-
neers, and software specialists; nearly one-half of Hindu Americans hold
a postgraduate degree and account for 38,000 physicians and 12,000
medical students and residents; and
WHEREAS, Within the hospitality sector, Hindu Americans contribute
significantly to the American economy by employing 850,000 persons, as
well as owning a substantial amount of real estate; and

WHEREAS, As part of the diverse cultural makeup of Queens County,
Hindu Americans share their numerous holidays and festivals such as
Diwali which celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over dark-
ness, and knowledge over ignorance; and
WHEREAS, Hindu temples, organizations, and individuals actively engage
in seva or selfless service toward their fellow human beings through
charity, public service, and the provision of free medical and legal
services; and
WHEREAS, Ahimsa, which is the Sanskrit word for non-injury or non-vio-
lence, is a central principle for Hindu Americans and it provides the
ethical foundation for vegetarianism, environmentalism, and harmonious
living; and
WHEREAS, Hindu Americans have helped promote the shared American
ideals of tolerance, pluralism, and religious freedom, which are inher-
ent to their beliefs, and respect for the diversity of all faiths; and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting to set aside a month to highlight and
honor the history and heritage of Hindu Americans, and to remember and
pay tribute to the contributions they have made to our State and Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 2014 as Hindu
American Awareness and Appreciation Month in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.