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2007 SESSION

071968204
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 609
Offered January 10, 2007
Prefiled January 4, 2007
Designating January 26, in 2007 and in each succeeding year, as Indian American Day in Virginia.
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Patrons-- Albo, Hugo, Amundson, Armstrong, Barlow, Brink, Bulova, Callahan, Caputo, Ebbin, Eisenberg, Frederick, Griffith, Howell, W.J., Hull, Lingamfelter, Marshall, D.W., May, McEachin, McQuigg, Miller, J.H., Moran, Nutter, O'Bannon, Poisson, Rapp, Rust, Scott, J.M., Shannon, Sickles, Tata, Toscano, Valentine and Wardrup
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the first Indian immigrants arrived in America in 1790, and, according to the United States Census Bureau, the Asian Indian population in the United States grew from almost 1,678,000 in 2000 to 2,319,000 in 2005, a growth rate of 38%, the highest for all Asian American community; and

WHEREAS, the United States Congress passed House Resolution 227 on April 26, 2005, to honor the Indian American community and Indian Institutes of Technology graduates; and

WHEREAS, January 26 was declared India’s original “Independence Day,” one of Mahatma Gandhi’s many symbolic acts during India’s Freedom Struggle against British colonial rule, and the day is currently celebrated as India’s “Republic Day”; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of India’s constitution on January 26, 1950, calling for Indians of all ages to declare their freedom from British imperialism, strengthened the day’s initial meaning of independence; and

WHEREAS, burgeoning economic trade between the United States and India has spread Indian culture, philosophy, and religion throughout the nation and has influenced numerous American poets, thinkers, and writers; and

WHEREAS, Indian Americans first marched proudly in an American Independence Day parade on July 4, 1851, and they have been an integral part of American life for more than 200 years; and

WHEREAS, Indian Americans have embodied the American ideals of hard work, entrepreneurship, and creativity, which enriches the prosperity and culture of Virginia and the nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly recognize January 26, in 2007 and in each succeeding year, as Indian American Day and encourage the citizens of the Commonwealth to reflect on the invaluable contributions of Virginia's Indian American community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of January 26 as Indian American Day in Virginia on the General Assembly's website.