NY State House and Senate resolutions recognize August as Indian Heritage Month

Continuing the tradition that began three years ago, the New York State House and Senate passed resolutions recognizing August as Indian Heritage Month.
Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski introduced the resolution for it in the lower house while Senator David Carlucci sponsored it in the Senate in the presence of an Indian American delegation from across the state.

Sen. Carlucci and Assemblyman Zebrowski hoped that the tradition will continue in coming years also. Both noted that there are about 300,000 Indians living in the state, second only to New Jersey. Carlucci added, “The Indian community has the most number of college educated people with about 70 percent having a college degree.”

He also pointed out that this year marks the 70th anniversary of India’s independence. As the largest democracy of the world, 551 million voters take part in elections. The Indian community has contributed much to the American life and the community is still growing, he noted.

Assemblyman Zebrowski also noted the importance of this year as the 200the anniversary of the Eerie Canal, 150th anniversary of the state Capitol building in Albany and the 100th year of women suffrage.

For the first time, an Indian priest, Rev. Fr. Taddeus Aravidath, vicar of the St Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission in Wesley Hills, Rockland County, performed the invocation to start the Senate session. He recited the prayer of St Francis Assisi, which was also used by St Mother Teresa requesting God’s help to love and forgive even those who work against us.

The lawmakers also arranged a reception and a tour of the Capitol building.
Dr. Aney Paul, Rockland County Legislator, who led the Indian community, thanked the lawmakers for their continued support. She also noted the various achievements of the community in different fields.

The India Cultural Society of Rockland (ICSR) was represented by Charu Krishnan, Amita Shetty, Supriya Reddy and Arjun Reddy. The Federation of Kerala Associations of North America (Fokana) was represented by Leela Maret and Varghese Olahannan. The Hudson Valley Malayalee Association was represented by Jose Mundanchira and others. Capital District Malayalee Association, Jeevan Jyothi Senior Citizens Association of Rockland, National Indian Nurse Practitioners Association and the media were part of the delegation.