[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E46]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN HONOR OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Federation of India Community Associations of N.E. Ohio on the 50th 
Anniversary of the establishment of the Indian Republic. On January 26, 
1950, India proclaimed itself a sovereign nation governed by its own 
Constitution. Republic Day is celebrated on the 26th of January each 
year. It is a major national holiday in India celebrating the 
culmination of the Indian movement toward self-government that began on 
August 15, 1947, with India's Declaration of Independence. FICA has 
celebrated this important event with an annual dinner for over thirty 
years. Governor Robert Taft of Ohio recognized the significance of this 
day by proclaiming January 26, 2000 Republic of India day for Ohio.
  India is a highly diverse country with more than fourteen major 
languages and at least as many distinct cultures. The Federation of 
India Community Associations is an umbrella organization for various 
Asian Indian groups throughout Northeast Ohio. For the past thirty 
years it has published The Lotus, a monthly community newspaper, and 
organized celebrations for major Indian holidays and festivals. FICA 
maintains the India Community Center in Cleveland Heights and supports 
community service to the more needy in the area. The Asian Indian 
community in Greater Cleveland contributes extensively to the economic, 
social and cultural richness of the area. Members' work in government, 
education, business, medicine, science, law and social service has 
created strong and lasting relationships with the entire community.
  My fellow colleagues, join with me in congratulating this great 
cultural organization, along with all the people of India and Indian 
descent, on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic 
of India.

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