Senate Resolution No. 1585 BY: Senator THOMAS MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 26, 2022, as Indian Republic Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 26, 2022, as Indian Republic Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Republic Day; and WHEREAS, The 26th of January was chosen as Republic Day because on this day in 1930, the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed in defiance of colonial British rule; it became official in 1950, honoring the date in which the Constitution of India came into effect with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition towards becoming an independent Republic; and WHEREAS, This year, 2022, marks the 72nd Anniversary the Constitution of India came into effect, an important milestone for both India and democracy; and WHEREAS, Indian Republic Day celebrates the great contributions of Indian Americans to the fabric of New York, and pays tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship between the United States and the Indian Republic; and WHEREAS, Indian Republic Day affirms the culture, identity and self-esteem of a people; it celebrates a rich heritage and illuminates the Indian history and tradition, as well as the spirit of an indomitable people; and WHEREAS, First arriving in the mid-19th Century, there are now more than 300,000 Indian Americans living in New York, making it the second largest Indian American population; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, more Indian Americans reside in the New York City metropolitan area than any other urban center in the country; and WHEREAS, Research shows that 72% of Indian Americans have a bachelor's degree compared to 37% of Americans, and a higher percentage than immigrants from the United Kingdom and other Asian Countries; and WHEREAS, Immigrants contributed two trillion dollars to the United States economy in 2015-2016 alone, and new claims state that Indian-Americans are the most entrepreneurial of all groups; and WHEREAS, Indian Republic Day is a time to celebrate the aspirations and values that have been shared with Indian people for generations, and to recognize the countless contributions of Americans and New Yorkers of Indian descent to every aspect of society; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 26, 2022, as Indian Republic Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.