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Senate Resolution No. 1935
BY: Senator COONEY
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
August 15, 2026, as India Independence Day in the
State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are important to the cultural heritage of the
citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 15, 2026, as India
Independence Day in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, On August 15, 1947, India was declared independent of the
British Empire after approximately two hundred years of colonial control
which was marked by oppression, sacrifice, and struggle; and
WHEREAS, India's independence is enormously important to people
around the world; it marks the end of a 90-year struggle to achieve
stronger civil, political, and economic rights along with
self-determination; and
WHEREAS, Countless brave and courageous Indian people sacrificed
their lives for the independence of their country and for the betterment
of the lives of their families, friends, and peers; and
WHEREAS, On November 26, 1949, the Indian Constitution was enacted,
adopted, and given to the citizens of India; this legal document
balances a strong central government with the autonomy of states;
additionally, it provides a stable framework for governance, facilitates
social justice, and promotes economic development; and
WHEREAS, Diverse regional needs and identities are respected and
preserved through the Indian Constitution; this legislation has played a
crucial role in shaping modern India, reflecting the aspirations of the
forefathers and providing a guide for the nation's progress; and
WHEREAS, Annually, the Indian people celebrate Constitution Day,
honoring the visionary framers of this vital document; this year-long
observance commences every November; citizens of the State of New York
should celebrate with the Indian people, remembering that our Nation had
the same struggle to achieve independence from the same oppressors; and
WHEREAS, It is important to honor and cherish the ancestral history
of the citizens of the State of New York and to educate the citizens of
this State of the richness thereof; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 15, 2026, as India
Independence Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, the Consul General of India, and various Indian organizations in
the State of New York.