Senate Resolution No. 1461

BY: Senator THOMAS

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
January 26, 2024, as Indian Republic Day in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which
comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 26, 2024, as
Indian Republic Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Republic Day; and

WHEREAS, The 26th of January was chosen as Republic Day because on
this day in 1930, the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed
in defiance of colonial British rule; it became official in 1950,
honoring the date in which the Constitution of India came into effect
with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition
towards becoming an independent Republic; and

WHEREAS, This year, 2024, marks the 74th Anniversary the
Constitution of India came into effect, an important milestone for both
India and democracy; and

WHEREAS, Indian Republic Day celebrates the great contributions of
Indian Americans to the fabric of New York, and pays tribute to the
common culture and bonds of friendship between the United States and the
Indian Republic; and

WHEREAS, Indian Republic Day affirms the culture, identity and
self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and illuminates
the Indian history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an
indomitable people; and

WHEREAS, First arriving in the mid-19th Century, there are now more
than 300,000 Indian Americans living in New York, making it the second
largest Indian American population; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, more Indian Americans reside in the New York
City metropolitan area than any other urban center in the country; and

WHEREAS, Research shows that 72% of Indian Americans have a
bachelor's degree compared to 37% of Americans, and a higher percentage
than immigrants from the United Kingdom and other Asian Countries; and

WHEREAS, Immigrants contributed two trillion dollars to the United
States economy in 2015-2016 alone, and new claims state that
Indian-Americans are the most entrepreneurial of all groups; and

WHEREAS, Indian Republic Day is a time to celebrate the aspirations
and values that have been shared with Indian people for generations, and

to recognize the countless contributions of Americans and New Yorkers of
Indian descent to every aspect of society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 26, 2024, as
Indian Republic Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.