LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the India Cultural Society of Rock-
land, and extending a warm welcome to its representatives upon the occa-
sion of their visit to Albany, New York, on May 12, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organiza-
tions which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural
diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York
State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the India
Cultural Society of Rockland, and extend a warm welcome to its represen-
tatives upon the occasion of their visit to Albany, New York, on Tues-
day, May 12, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Founded 42 years ago, India Cultural Society of Rockland
(ICSR) strives to bring cultural programs to Rockland County, New York,
and its surrounding areas; and
WHEREAS, ICSR holds several programs throughout the year, such as the
India Day Parade, Navaratri Garba and a Diwali Dinner and Dance, as well
as the Annual Program, which consists of performances by children of all
ages; and
WHEREAS, The Indian American population has grown to be one of the
more diverse and well-recognized communities within the United States;
with a population of 2.8 million, Indian Americans are the third largest
group among Asian Americans; and
WHEREAS, Indian Americans are among the wealthiest communities in the
United States, with a median annual household income of $88,000,
compared with the national median of $49,800, according to one study; in
addition, more than 70% of Indian American immigrants over 18 years of
age speak English very well, compared with 53% of all Asian American
immigrants; and
WHEREAS, Indian Americans have attained the highest educational levels
of all ethnic groups in the United States; almost 40% of all Indians in
America have a master's, doctorate, or other professional degree, which
is five times the national average; and
WHEREAS, India's cultural influences have become more and more common-
place throughout the United States; many gyms teach yoga classes and
popular exercise regimens such as Pilates have been influenced by
ancient Indian spiritual exercises, as well as Bhangra, a North Indian
folk dance; and
WHEREAS, Meditation, similarly, has become widely popular; this
ancient Vedantic technique to reach inner peace has been popularized by
Indian gurus who have helped spread the practice throughout the West;
one transcendental meditation organization claims to have taught more
than 50,000 students across the United States, Latin America and Africa
during the past two years alone; and
WHEREAS, Numerous United States citizens value the concept of ahimsa,
non-violence, as popularized by Mahatma Gandhi; and
WHEREAS, Worldwide, flavorful Indian spices and seasonings have
increased the appeal of vegetarian food; spices are also of special
interest in the alternative health community, where they are viewed as
anti-inflammatory agents, that can help the aging brain and play a role
in cancer prevention; and
WHEREAS, Even more wide-spread is India's music and dance scene; the
sitar has been used by artists from the Beatles to Janet Jackson; the
most powerful Indian cultural export, though, has long been its film
industry, nicknamed Bollywood, which is generally believed to produce
the largest number of feature films in the world; and

WHEREAS, There are many other aspects of Indian culture that have
spread throughout the United States, ranging from curries to computer
programs, self-realization to the arts, and well beyond; the popular
Indian art of using henna to create beautiful body designs and patterns
only temporarily affects the surface of the skin, but the influence of
India is likely to leave a permanent and positive impact on the United
States; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the India Cultural Society of Rockland, and to extend a warm
welcome to its representatives upon the occasion of their visit to Alba-
ny, New York, on May 12, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the India Cultural Society of Rockland.