118 HRES 1394 IH: Celebrating the principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, and the rule of law shared by both the United States and India, the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, and the success of the Indian diaspora in the United States. U.S. House of Representatives 2024-07-30 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV118th CONGRESS2d SessionH. RES. 1394IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 30, 2024Mr. Suozzi (for himself, Mrs. Kim of California, Mr. Burchett, Mr. Carl, Mr. Carter of Georgia, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Correa, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Fleischmann, Mrs. Foushee, Mr. Grothman, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. LaHood, Mr. Meuser, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Nehls, Mr. Nickel, Mr. Norcross, Mr. Ogles, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Rose, Ms. Ross, Ms. Sánchez, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Sherman, Mrs. Steel, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Mrs. Trahan, Mr. Van Drew, Ms. Van Duyne, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, and Mr. McCormick) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsRESOLUTIONCelebrating the principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, and the rule of law shared by both the United States and India, the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, and the success of the Indian diaspora in the United States.

Whereas the partnership between India and the United States stands as one of the most important democratic partnerships in the world;Whereas the partnership is based on shared principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, freedom, and the rule of law;Whereas the people-to-people ties between India and the United States are strong, vibrant, and mutually beneficial for both countries;Whereas the Indian diaspora, a community of over 4,000,000 in the United States, has excelled in all areas of United States life, with 80 percent of Americans of Indian heritage attaining college degrees;Whereas India has a rich history of religious pluralism, with vibrant Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and Jain communities;Whereas 80 percent of Indian immigrants in the United States practice Hinduism, and the United States Hindu population is estimated to be about 1 percent of the total population;Whereas Hinduism is both a religion and a philosophy devoted to peace, good deeds, and integrity;Whereas BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide Hindu denomination dedicated to fostering faith, inspiring service, and promoting better living;Whereas His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016), established the first BAPS Hindu mandir in the United States of America on August 4, 1974, in New York City;Whereas 2024 marks 50 years of service and faith in the United States for BAPS;Whereas, over the last 50 years, BAPS has grown to over 100 mandirs across the United States;Whereas these mandirs offer a welcoming and spiritual space for thousands of families, as well as worship, fellowship, communal meals, education, and activities for young and old, creating a true home for the faithful;Whereas BAPS mandirs offer youth activities that encourage and mold young people to live lives of integrity and character that reflect our highest ideals;Whereas BAPS mandirs bring His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s words, In the joy of others lies our own, to life through support for those in need, through a variety of community efforts such as health fairs, food drives, or disaster relief work;Whereas following in the example of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the volunteers of BAPS have, time and again, answered the call to serve, humbly, selflessly, and inspirationally;Whereas BAPS mandirs have a storied history of helping immigrants to the United States retain their connection to their faith but fully embrace and join in United States civic life; andWhereas BAPS mandirs add to the United States rich tapestry of diversity and contribute to the well-being of their congregants and local communities; Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—(1)recognizes the importance of the United States-India strategic bilateral relationship;(2)celebrates the people-to-people bonds of friendship between India and the United States;(3)affirms the commitment to freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and religious pluralism shared by the United States and India; and(4)recognizes and celebrates the countless contributions of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its volunteers over the last 50 years in the United States.