Senate Resolution No. 3567

BY: Senator COMRIE

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as
Mother Language Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens 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
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as
Mother Language Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of International Mother Language Day; and

WHEREAS, International Mother Language Day is an observance held
annually on February 21 worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and
cultural diversity and multilingualism; and

WHEREAS, The date represents the day in 1952, when students from
different institutions such as Dhaka University, Jagannath University
and Dhaka Medical College demonstrating for recognition of their
language, Bangla, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital
of present-day Bangladesh; and

WHEREAS, First announced on November 17, 1999, by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),
International Mother Language Day is based on the premise that
linguistic and cultural diversity represent universal values which
strengthen the union and cohesion of societies; it has been observed
every year since its inaugural celebration in February of 2000; and

WHEREAS, UNESCO sets the theme for each International Mother
Language Day, and holds related events at its headquarters in Paris on
or around February 21 each year; and

WHEREAS, Presented annually on International Mother Language Day,
the Linguapax Prize recognizes and awards outstanding contributions in
the preservation of linguistic diversity, revitalization and
reactivation of linguistic communities, and the promotion of
multilingualism; and

WHEREAS, On May 16, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly, in a
resolution, called upon Member States to promote the preservation and
protection of all languages used by people of the world; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, by the same resolution, the General Assembly
proclaimed 2008 as the International Year of Languages, to promote unity

in diversity and international understanding, through multilingualism
and multiculturalism; and

WHEREAS, Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving
and developing our tangible and intangible heritage and to develop
fuller awareness of linguistic cultural traditions throughout the world
to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 21, 2018, as
Mother Language 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 Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.