LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim August 15, 2013, as Indian Independence Day in New York State

WHEREAS, The year 2013 will mark the 66th Anniversary of India's Inde-
pendence; and
WHEREAS, On August 15, 1947 India gained its independence from the
British Empire's colonial rule; and
WHEREAS, Indian Independence Day is celebrated annually on August
15th, and is a public holiday in India with grand parades in major
cities to remember the millions of lives that have been sacrificed for a
nation's independence and to celebrate an integrated nation which has
all ranges of diversities in religions, languages, ethnicities, and
cultures; and
WHEREAS, The Indian descendants who immigrated to the State of New
York have become an invaluable part of our community, standing together
with other ethnic groups to promote the great treasures of freedom,
liberty, and equality with active participation in civic movements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that we should take
note of those citizens in this State who are of Indian descent and who
have contributed with the unparalleled dedication and services to the
educational, social, economic and cultural values; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim August 15, 2013, as
Indian Independence Day in New York State, and to publicly encourage the
citizens of New York to reflect upon the contributions of the Indian
community.