[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY'S BEYOND 
                           BOLLYWOOD EXHIBIT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AMI BERA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2014

  Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Smithsonian 
National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific 
American Center. This week, they open a new exhibition called ``Beyond 
Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation.'' One out of every 100 
Americans traces his or her roots back to India, me included. As a 
first-generation Indian American born and raised in California, I am 
here today largely because of the Indian Americans of my parents' 
generation who paved the way with their dedication to hard work, 
education, and family. It is important for us to recognize this 
remarkable community's contributions to our country.
   The new exhibit examines the daily experiences of Indian Americans 
and highlights the impacts they've had on our Nation, from 
breakthroughs in medicine and technology to the election of Dalip Singh 
Saund, the first Asian-American member of Congress, elected in 1956. It 
is the first exhibit of its kind to explore the Indian American 
experience and celebrate the history and achievements of this 
community's political, professional, and cultural contributions to 
American life and history. I commend the Smithsonian National Museum of 
Natural History for their support and recognition of this country's 3.3 
million Indian Americans and their dedication to furthering national 
dialogue about a community that has become integral to the fabric of 
American life.

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