Assembly Resolution No. 383

BY: M. of A. Rajkumar

COMMEMORATING the Indian-American community's
celebration of Indian Independence Day, on August
15, 2021

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who
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
commemorate the Indian-American community's celebration of Indian
Independence Day, on August 15, 2021, and to recognize and commemorate
August of 2021 as Indian-American Heritage Month, an observance which
celebrates the contributions of Indian-Americans to New York State's
unique heritage; and

WHEREAS, India obtained its independence through the Indian
Independence Movement and was able to attain its independence in a
primarily non-violent manner and through civil disobedience, to which
the United States quickly recognized India as an independent and
sovereign nation; and

WHEREAS, Throughout India, vibrant and joyful celebrations occur to
honor independence day including a Presidential address to the nation,
the hoisting of the flag on historical sites including at Red Fort in
Delhi, and paying tribute to the leaders of the Indian Independence
Movement, along with gleeful flag hoisting ceremonies throughout the
country; and

WHEREAS, The Republic of India is a "sovereign, socialist, secular,
democratic republic" with a parliamentary system of government, and is
the largest democracy in the world with a population of over 1 billion
people with a vast and diverse linguistic and religious population; and

WHEREAS, Today, immigration from India is currently at its highest
level in history; there are approximately four million Indian-Americans
residing in the United States accounting for 1.2% of the United States
population with the largest population residing in the New York City
Metropolitan Area, with an estimated population of over 500,000 and
accounting for over 2.8% of the region's population, and being the
largest area populated by Indians in the Western Hemisphere; and

WHEREAS, Indian-Americans greatly contribute to the leadership,
wisdom and vitality of our great State and Nation, and have attained one
of the highest educational levels of all ethnic groups in the United
States; an astounding 71% of Indians have a bachelor's degree compared
to the 32% national average; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those important days and months which remind us of the rich and diverse
heritage of our great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is duly fitting that all New Yorkers join in these
important celebrations of one of our State's most vibrant communities;
this much anticipated observance and its accompanying activities will
foster greater appreciation for Indian culture and serve to promote the
spirit of cooperation that is characteristic of all citizens of New York
State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Indian-American community's celebration of Indian
Independence Day, on August 15, 2021; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Consul General of India, and notable Indian-American
organizations.