LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 21, 2015 as Mother Language Day in the State of New
York in conjunction with International Mother Language Day

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, International Mother Language Day is an observance held annu-
ally on February 21 worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and
cultural diversity and multilingualism; and
WHEREAS, The date represents the day in 1952, when students from
different institutions such as Dhaka University, Jagannath University
and Dhaka Medical College demonstrating for recognition of their
language, Bangla, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital
of present-day Bangladesh; and
WHEREAS, First announced on November 17, 1999, by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Interna-
tional Mother Language Day is based on the premise that linguistic and
cultural diversity represent universal values that strengthen the union
and cohesion of societies; it has been observed every year since its
inaugural celebration in February of 2000; and
WHEREAS, UNESCO sets the theme for each International Mother Language
Day, and holds related events at its headquarters in Paris on or around
February 21 each year; and
WHEREAS, Presented annually on International Mother Language Day, the
Linguapax Prize recognizes and awards outstanding contributions in the
preservation of linguistic diversity, revitalization and reactivation of
linguistic communities, and the promotion of multilingualism; and
WHEREAS, On May 16, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly in its
resolution, called upon Member States to promote the preservation and
protection of all languages used by people of the world; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, by the same resolution, the General Assembly
proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, to promote unity
in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism
and multiculturalism; and
WHEREAS, Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and
developing our tangible and intangible heritage; all moves to promote
the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to a encourage
linguistic diversity and multilingual education, but also to develop
fuller awareness of linguistic cultural traditions throughout the world
to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2015 as
Mother Language Day in the State of New York in conjunction with Inter-
national Mother Language Day; 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.