Assembly Resolution No. 886

BY: M. of A. Weprin

COMMEMORATING the observance of the New York
Indian Consulate's recognition of the 101st
Anniversary of the abolition of Indian Indentureship

WHEREAS, A great State is only as great as those individuals such
as, Indentured Indian Immigrants, who gives exemplary service to their
community, whether through contributing to the economic and social
fabric of US society or simply through a lifetime of good citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Indian Indentureship started in 1834 immediately following
British Emancipation of Slaves in 1834, as commodity for profit to serve
the growing needs for plantation labor and was an intense, painful and
harrowing period of Indian migration of millions from several Indian
states to far way lands of then British colonies, in particular the
Caribbean region; the majority of those laborers came from Indian states
of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu and Pondicherry; and

WHEREAS, March 20, 2018, marks the 101st official abolition of
Indian Indentureship, an era spanning the years 1834-1917; the painful
history and consequences of Indian Indentureship are deeply embedded
with tremendous significance, importance, meaningful history and
reflections to millions of descendants living in many countries which
were the recipients of Indian Indentured laborers seeking better
livelihoods; and

WHEREAS, On March 3, 2018, an event took place at the Indian
Consulate to commemorate the 101st Anniversary of the abolition of
Indian Indentureship; this occasion was held in collaboration with many
communities of Indian, and non-Indian origin; and

WHEREAS, Indian Indentured laborers worked under invariably inhumane
conditions; this lead to many individuals suffering enormous mental,
physical and economical damages as a result; and

WHEREAS, The north eastern region of the USA is now home to a
significant population of persons of Indian origin Guyana, Trinidad,
Suriname and other countries; these decedents of Indian Indentured
immigrants have contributed tremendously to the economic and social
fabric of US society; and

WHEREAS, Acknowledging that this State is only as great as those
individuals whose tireless efforts foster tolerance for people of all
races and cultures, and who demonstrate good will to their fellow
citizens; and

WHEREAS, Such exceptional celebration are recognized and
commemorated to our community, our great State of New York and our whole
United States of America; now, therefore, it be

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the observance of the New York Indian Consulate's

recognition of the 101st Anniversary of the abolition of Indian
Indentureship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Riva Ganguly Das, New York Indian Consulate.