Senate Resolution No. 593

BY: Senator THOMAS

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
November 1, 2023, as Kannada Language and
Rajyothsava Day in the State of New York

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 1, 2023, as Kannada Language
and Rajyothsava Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Kannada Language and Rajyothsava Day; and

WHEREAS, Kannada is a language spoken by millions of people across
India's southwestern state of Karnataka and around the world; and

WHEREAS, As one of the oldest languages that is still spoken today,
Kannada has unique etymological formations and is the language of
culturally significant literature and inscriptions dating back thousands
of years; and

WHEREAS, On November 1, 1956, the state of Karnataka in South India
was formed, and each year, the date is celebrated as Kannada Rajyotsava,
a public holiday dedicated to the unity of all Kannada-speaking or
Kannadiga-people; and

WHEREAS, Members of New York's Kannadiga community have made
numerous contributions to every aspect of society, and play a vital role
in keeping Indian heritage and culture intact while enriching the
state's cultural diversity; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, the Kannada Koota New York organization was
founded, to promote the Kannada language, art, culture, and heritage
through cultural programs; and

WHEREAS, Kannada Koota New York is an organization that still acts
as a connecting tissue between Kannadigas from Karnataka and those
residing in the New York area; and

WHEREAS, On November 1, 2023, the State of New York joins Kannada
Koota New York and Kannadiga people across the state in celebrating the
numerous contributions, rich culture, heritage, and diversity of the
Kannadiga community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim November 1, 2023, as
Kannada Language and Rajyothsava 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.