[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 85 (Friday, June 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF KADVA PATIDAR SAMAJ 8TH NATIONAL CONVENTION

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2013

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the 
members, attendees and supporters of Kadva Patidar Samaj 8th National 
Convention, which will take place on Friday, June 14, 2013 through 
Sunday, June 16, 2013 at Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir, located at 4770 
Raley Road in Macon, Georgia.
  A Hindu place of worship and prayer, Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir, Kadva 
Patidar Samaj was established in Macon, Georgia in 2003. The first 
established Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir in the United States, the 
facility spans 32 acres and includes a 45,000 square foot cultural hall 
and temple. The temple was inaugurated on June 15, 2003. Approximately 
5,000 people attended the grand opening of the temple held on June 13, 
2003 to June 15, 2003.
  There are many legends and theories that attempt to explain the 
history of Kadva Patidars. According to the most credible theory, the 
roots of Kadva Patidars go all the way back to the origin of Hindus. 
Called Aryans at the time, they worshipped life-sustaining elements 
such as the sun, wind, fire and rain. The Aryans migrated to India from 
the Pamir region on the Ayu River in central Asia, which is present-day 
Azerbaijan. They settled in the plains of a big river that they named 
``Sindhu'', which means ``big like an ocean,'' and over time, fully 
integrated with the natives living there. Between B.C. 7000 and B.C. 
2000, the Sindhu Valley Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley or 
Harappan Civilization, was established. Covering 400,000 square miles 
from Kashmir in the north to the Godavari River in the South and from 
Delhi in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west, the Sindhu Valley 
Civilization was the largest known ancient civilization and a very 
advanced one thriving on agriculture, commerce, engineering and social 
amenities.
  Over the years, some of the descendents of the Sindhu Valley 
Civilization spread to what is present-day Gujarat and Saurashtra and 
became known as Kadva Patidars.
  The Kadva Patidar Samaj 8th National Convention is expecting about 
5,000 attendees this year. Over the course of three days, participants 
will engage in social, cultural, educational and matrimonial events. 
Several dignitaries and political leaders from India have also been 
invited.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
members and supporters of Shree Umiya Mataji Mandir and the Kadva 
Patidar Samaj 8th National Convention. I am proud that while the Hindu 
community of Middle Georgia is becoming more intricately woven into the 
fabric of our American tapestry, they are also coming together in 
observation and celebration of their vibrant culture, religion and 
values.

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