[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                INDIA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, August 15, 1997 will mark the 50th 
anniversary of India's independence, and I, as a United States 
Congressman, am excited about it.
  Why am I excited about another nation's independence? For the sane 
reasons that all Americans should be excited. As the largest democracy 
in Asia, India is celebrating the very same liberties and values which 
America cherishes. Over 500 million people turned out for India's free 
elections. 500 million. That is twice the population of the United 
States. India is not just a democracy--it is a democratic powerhouse.
  I am also excited about India's development as an economic market. As 
one of the top 10 emerging open markets, India has crossed the 
threshold of global commercial competition. Large U.S. enterprises such 
as Coca-Cola, GM, Enron, and Sun Microsystems, among others, are 
expanding to the Indian Subcontinent, creating employment opportunities 
for Americans and Indians alike.
  Mr. Speaker, America has maintained a strong relationship with India 
that began long before its independence in 1947. Woodrow Wilson and 
Franklin D. Roosevelt both championed a free India. We must continue to 
uphold this friendship and help celebrate this momentous occasion. I 
urge all Members of Congress and the people of America to join in the 
festivities sponsored nationwide by Indian-Americans to commemorate 
India's 50th anniversary of independence. Through this participation, 
we will strengthen the democratic bonds between our countries and 
realize the value and potential of India.

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