Bill Text: VA HJR42 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Nepali American Heritage Day; designating as April 15, 2024 and each succeeding year thereafter.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-27 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ42ER) [HJR42 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR42-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked nation situated largely in the Himalaya mountain range with rich history and a vibrant culture; and
WHEREAS, the United States recognized what was then the Kingdom of Nepal in 1947 and the two countries established formal diplomatic relations more than 75 years ago in 1948; and
WHEREAS, since that time, many Nepali individuals and families have immigrated to the United States, and the Commonwealth is now home to a significant Nepali American population; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth and the nation have greatly benefited from the contributions of Nepali Americans, especially in the areas of art, dance, music, meditation, yoga, philosophy, language, literature, and community service; and
WHEREAS, 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Nepal; and
WHEREAS, the first Nepali American Community Center (NACC) in Virginia is under construction in Manassas and will empower Nepali Americans to strengthen ties with communities in Northern Virginia and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Nepali Americans have also made significant contributions to education, public health, engineering, science, technology, business, civil service, public service, and many other areas in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Nepali Americans are committed to civic engagement and the Commonwealth will be enriched by the local community center in Manassas as it has been by other cultural and professional organizations they have established; and
WHEREAS, Nepali Americans throughout the Commonwealth celebrate numerous holidays and festivals, such as Dasain, Tihar, Chaith, Lhosar, Teej, and Holi, among others, many of which commemorate the victory of good over evil or knowledge over ignorance; and
WHEREAS, Nepali New Year falls on or around April 15 each year, and Nepali American Heritage Day provides an opportunity to promote the rich and diverse heritage of Nepalis, including those who live and work in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, on Nepali American Heritage Day, Virginians are encouraged to learn more about Nepali history and culture and honor the achievements and contributions of Nepali American community members; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate April 15, in 2024 and in each succeeding year, as Nepali American Heritage Day in Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to representatives of the Nepali American community in Virginia so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it
RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly's website.
