Senate Resolution No. 2809

BY: Senator LIU

COMMENDING the Association of Indians in America,
New York Chapter, upon the occasion of hosting its
35th Annual Deepavali Festival on October 2, 2022

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations 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
commend the Association of Indians in America, New York Chapter, upon
the occasion of hosting its 35th Annual Deepavali Festival on Sunday,
October 2, 2022, at the South Street Seaport in New York City; and

WHEREAS, The oldest national association of Asian Indians in
America, the Association of Indians in America (AIA) was founded on
August 20, 1967, after the United States Congress passed the 1965-1966
Immigration Act, repealing the Asian Exclusion Act of 1917; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, the constitution of AIA was adopted, and one year
later, it was officially incorporated; and

WHEREAS, Through its mantra of "one member one vote," AIA represents
the hopes and aspirations of those Asian immigrants who are united by
their common bond of Indian Heritage and the dream of building a new
life in the United States; and

WHEREAS, This is done by promoting India's rich culture and
traditions through various events; and encouraging and facilitating the
participation of its members and others in the development and progress
of India through charitable, cultural and educational activities; and to
foster communication and co-operation among the people of Indian
Heritage worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Comprised of members from all over the tri-state area, the
AIA New York Chapter represents all regions and religions of India, as
well as of varied professions, backgrounds and occupations; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to its members and the people of India, AIA has
joined forces to help raise funds for the victims of the 1993 earthquake
in Maharashtra, Western India; and

WHEREAS, In that same year, AIA established the Sushruta and Charaka
Awards to recognize and honor people of Indian origin in the field of
medicine and health care; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, the AIA hosted its first Deepavali Festival in New
York City; commonly known as the Festival of Lights, it is a major
holiday which has both religious and historical significance for Hindus,
Sikhs, and Jains; and

WHEREAS, The word Deepavali is a shortened version of the Sanskrit
term Deepavali and symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over
darkness, of good over evil, and of knowledge over ignorance; and

WHEREAS, Celebrants of Deepavali believe the "rows of lamps"
symbolize the light within the individual that rids the soul of the
darkness of ignorance; and

WHEREAS, The Festival of Deepavali also celebrates the coming of
monsoon season and the end of the summer harvest; each faith that
celebrates this holiday connects it with different stories and religious
significances; and

WHEREAS, The festival is celebrated over five days, with the third
day being the most significant, as it coincides with the darkest night
of the lunar month; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, New York City officially recognized Deepavali as a
holiday, and during this time, alternate street parking is suspended so
revelers can celebrate safely; through the assistance of AIA, the White
House celebrated its first Deepavali in 2006; and

WHEREAS, The success of AIA is in direct correlation to the efforts
of its President, Harish Thakkar, and its members, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves;
and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those who celebrate their rich ethnic flavor and who strive to preserve
their cultural heritage; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Association of Indians in America, New York Chapter, upon
the occasion of hosting its 35th Annual Deepavali Festival on October 2,
2022; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Harish Thakkar, President, the Association of Indians in
America, New York Chapter.