Senators urge Governor to adopt Aug 15 as India Independence Day in New York state
The move by the New York State Senate recognised India's democratic legacy and the Indian-American community's growing contribution to New York.
In a move that might add yet another milestone in the India-US bilateral ties, the New York State Senate has passed a resolution urging Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 15, 2026, as India Independence Day in New York State. The move is being viewed as a significant recognition of India’s democratic legacy, civilisational heritage and the growing contributions of the Indian-American community to the US.
The gesture, welcomed by Indian officials and community leaders, underscored the deepening people-to-people ties that have become a cornerstone of the India–United States relationship over recent decades.
During discussions on the resolution, lawmakers from across the Senate highlighted India’s rich history, democratic traditions and cultural influence, while also acknowledging the role played by Indian-Americans in shaping New York’s economic, social and civic landscape.
Senators noted that the members of the Indian community have emerged as an influential force in public life, business, education and community development, helping strengthen bonds between the two democracies.
Speaking during the debate, Senator Jeremy A Cooney, who moved the motion, said, "Across the globe, Indians are making lasting impacts in their communities. And this is an opportunity to join together and celebrate and reflect on our shared history, culture, and heritage".
Several lawmakers drew attention to the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and India’s democratic journey.
Senator Joseph P Addabbo Jr. remarked, "Gandhi once said that the future depends on what we do in the present. That message of Gandhi is an inspiration for Indian Americans today, for future generations too".
Senator John C Liu praised India’s long civilisational history and democratic values while recognising the contributions of Indian-Americans across the US.
"India has been around for thousands of years. It's been a civilisation, it's been a country, it has been a model of democracy for actually a lot longer than our country. But we celebrate the contributions of Indian Americans to our communities right here in New York and in the United States," he said.
Other legislators echoed similar sentiments. Senator Jeremy Z Zellner described the Indian-American community as an integral part of daily life in his district, while Senator Steven Rhoads highlighted how Indian culture, entrepreneurship and community spirit continue to enrich neighbourhoods across New York.
Senator Jack M Martins noted that Indian-Americans have become indispensable contributors as business owners, civic leaders and high-achieving students, playing an important role in shaping the future of local communities.
The Senate chamber also formally welcomed Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh and community representatives during the adoption of the resolution, reflecting the significance attached to the occasion.
INDIAN CONSULATE RESPONDS
Responding to the development, the Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep gratitude to the New York State Senate and described the resolution as a meaningful acknowledgement of India’s democratic values and the contributions of the Indian-American community.
The Consulate said it had recently joined Senator Jeremy Cooney in hosting a special gathering in Albany celebrating India–US friendship, democracy and shared values.
The event was attended by state senators, assembly members, university leaders, community representatives and members of the Indian community in the US.
The Consulate also thanked Senator Cooney for sponsoring the resolution and acknowledged the support of community leaders, including Manoj Ajmera, a longstanding contributor to the Indian-American community in New York’s Capital Region.
The resolution is being seen as another milestone in the steadily strengthening relationship between India and the US.
Beyond its symbolic significance, it reflects growing recognition of the Indian-American community’s contributions and reaffirms the shared democratic values that continue to bring the two nations closer together.
In a move that might add yet another milestone in the India-US bilateral ties, the New York State Senate has passed a resolution urging Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim August 15, 2026, as India Independence Day in New York State. The move is being viewed as a significant recognition of India’s democratic legacy, civilisational heritage and the growing contributions of the Indian-American community to the US.
The gesture, welcomed by Indian officials and community leaders, underscored the deepening people-to-people ties that have become a cornerstone of the India–United States relationship over recent decades.
During discussions on the resolution, lawmakers from across the Senate highlighted India’s rich history, democratic traditions and cultural influence, while also acknowledging the role played by Indian-Americans in shaping New York’s economic, social and civic landscape.
Senators noted that the members of the Indian community have emerged as an influential force in public life, business, education and community development, helping strengthen bonds between the two democracies.
Speaking during the debate, Senator Jeremy A Cooney, who moved the motion, said, "Across the globe, Indians are making lasting impacts in their communities. And this is an opportunity to join together and celebrate and reflect on our shared history, culture, and heritage".
Several lawmakers drew attention to the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and India’s democratic journey.
Senator Joseph P Addabbo Jr. remarked, "Gandhi once said that the future depends on what we do in the present. That message of Gandhi is an inspiration for Indian Americans today, for future generations too".
Senator John C Liu praised India’s long civilisational history and democratic values while recognising the contributions of Indian-Americans across the US.
"India has been around for thousands of years. It's been a civilisation, it's been a country, it has been a model of democracy for actually a lot longer than our country. But we celebrate the contributions of Indian Americans to our communities right here in New York and in the United States," he said.
Other legislators echoed similar sentiments. Senator Jeremy Z Zellner described the Indian-American community as an integral part of daily life in his district, while Senator Steven Rhoads highlighted how Indian culture, entrepreneurship and community spirit continue to enrich neighbourhoods across New York.
Senator Jack M Martins noted that Indian-Americans have become indispensable contributors as business owners, civic leaders and high-achieving students, playing an important role in shaping the future of local communities.
The Senate chamber also formally welcomed Deputy Consul General Vishal Harsh and community representatives during the adoption of the resolution, reflecting the significance attached to the occasion.
INDIAN CONSULATE RESPONDS
Responding to the development, the Consulate General of India in New York expressed deep gratitude to the New York State Senate and described the resolution as a meaningful acknowledgement of India’s democratic values and the contributions of the Indian-American community.
The Consulate said it had recently joined Senator Jeremy Cooney in hosting a special gathering in Albany celebrating India–US friendship, democracy and shared values.
The event was attended by state senators, assembly members, university leaders, community representatives and members of the Indian community in the US.
The Consulate also thanked Senator Cooney for sponsoring the resolution and acknowledged the support of community leaders, including Manoj Ajmera, a longstanding contributor to the Indian-American community in New York’s Capital Region.
The resolution is being seen as another milestone in the steadily strengthening relationship between India and the US.
Beyond its symbolic significance, it reflects growing recognition of the Indian-American community’s contributions and reaffirms the shared democratic values that continue to bring the two nations closer together.
