[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 87 (Monday, July 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNITION OF THE PEOPLE OF THE INDIAN STATE OF PUNJAB

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                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2000

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
people of the Indian state of Punjab.
  Punjab is an agricultural state, home of the Green Revolution and 
famous for the diligence of its people. Though Punjab comprises only 
1.5 percent of India's territory, farmers from the state have provided 
65 percent of India's wheat and 45 percent of its rice for the past 25 
years. Punjab is a naturally breathtaking place, but I was most 
inspired by the limitless potential of its people. They are hardworking 
men and women, striving to better the lives of their families and 
neighbors, and sharing a deep devotion to God.
  While in the city of Amritsar I visited the Golden Temple, the 
spiritual capital of Punjab and the destination of all Sikh pilgrims. 
It was truly an honor to witness the Sikh faith in practice within the 
walls of their holiest of temples. After experiencing the Punjabi 
people's intense spirituality firsthand, I now understand why Punjab 
today enjoys peace and stability.
  Mr. Parkash S. Badal, Chief Minister of Punjab, was kind enough to 
meet with me during my stay in Punjab. We met not in the capital city, 
but in the small village of Sahouli, where the Chief Minister 
demonstrated his sincere concern for the villagers and farmers of 
Punjab. He is a man of great commitment to the state of Punjab and its 
people, and he has worked relentlessly to improve the lives of all 
Punjabis. The Chief Minister expressed to me the Punjabi people's 
profound desire to build a strong and lasting relationship with the 
United States, and he has asked for the help of this House of 
Representatives in doing so.
  I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to welcome the Punjabi 
people with open arms. President Clinton recently traveled to India, 
and in doing so he displayed great foresight and wisdom. I believe it 
is our obligation to follow the President's lead and work to establish 
strong ties between our two nations' governments, businesses and 
citizens. I am confident Chief Minister Badal will continue to guide 
Punjab towards progress and prosperity, and I am hopeful my colleagues 
here today will join with me in my efforts to broaden and extend our 
personal and economic collaboration with the people of Punjab 
indefinitely.

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