senate resolution no.57

Senators Runestad, Brinks, Bullock, MacDonald, Bizon, Lucido, McMorrow, Santana, Victory and Polehanki offered the following resolution:

A resolution to commemorate June 6, 2019, as the inaugural Indian-American Legislative Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The people of Michigan are honored to represent many cultures and are proud to join with all residents of Indian heritage in acknowledging the contributions of Indian-Americans to our state; and

Whereas, In 1947, India proclaimed independence and officially became a self-governing country, marking the beginning of its identity as a free and sovereign nation; and

Whereas, Like the United States, India is a diverse nation of many cultures and religions, and Indian-Americans have brought to Michigan a true melting pot of diverse Indian heritage; and

Whereas, Americans identifying as Indian-Americans in Michigan are expected to approach a population of over 100,000 by the coming census; and

Whereas, India has proved to be a courageous nation with a growing democracy, seeking to establish its basic, fundamental principles of freedom, opportunity, and justice; and

Whereas, Indian-Americans have brought to Michigan that same courage and commitment to these shared ideals; and

Whereas, Michigan residents who hail from India, or who have ancestral ties to India, continually demonstrate the greatness of the culture, arts, traditions, and natural beauty of their homeland; and

Whereas, Michigan residents who immigrated from India have achieved high levels of education with over 40% having attained a post graduate degree; and

Whereas, The contributions of these individuals are notable and reflect success in many fields, including education, medicine, science, technology, business, industry, and public policy; and

Whereas, Michigan welcomes the opportunity to promote a greater understanding of the Indian-American culture, while also providing an opportunity for Michiganders to recognize the contributions of Indian-Americans to our state’s economy; now therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate June 6, 2019, as the inaugural Indian-American Legislative Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Asian Pacific American Caucus to be distributed to Indian American communities and associations.