LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 18-24, 2015, as International Bangla Festival and Book Fair
Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
strengthen the fabric of the communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of this great Empire State are proud to recog-
nize and commemorate International Bangla Festival and Book Fair Week,
an observance that celebrates the contributions of Bengali-Americans to
New York State's unique heritage; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 18-24, 2015, as Interna-
tional Bangla Festival and Book Fair Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The objective of the International Bangla Festival and Book
Fair Week is to celebrate the cultural heritage of expatriate Banglade-
shi and West Bengali communities, building a link between these communi-
ties and the land where they or their ancestors were born; and
WHEREAS, Since 1992, the Muktadhara Foundation, an organization dedi-
cated to the promotion of Bangla literature and culture, has organized
the International Bangla Festival and Book Fair, the largest gathering
of Bangla language and literature enthusiasts outside of the Indian
Subcontinent; and
WHEREAS, The Festival brings together more than 10,000 attendees from
New York and across the United States to enjoy music and books with
leading writers and artists; and
WHEREAS, The Festival will include seminars, workshops, musical pres-
entations, and booths displaying books, music and handcrafts; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 18-24, 2015, as
International Bangla Festival and Book Fair Week in the State of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York; Roquia Haider, Convener of the International Bangla Festival and
Book Fair; and Bishawjit Saha, President of the Muktadhara Foundation.