[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 144 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA BENGALI ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2016

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Northern 
Virginia Bengali Association (NVBA), which is celebrating its 25th 
Anniversary this year. A quarter of a century ago, the first Bengali 
residents of Virginia felt a need to have their own organization. 
Distance was barring their participation in Sanskriti, Maryland, which 
is the oldest Bengali association in the Washington, DC area. After 
extensive discussion and planning, the then Virginia residents decided 
to form a new organization of their own and called it Northern Virginia 
Bengali Association, with the broad vision of nurturing and promoting 
Bengali and Indian culture through education, cultural, spiritual, and 
charitable activities. In 1990, the first community event, Saraswati 
Puja, was held in McLean Hall.
  Bengal, India, is a crucible of art and culture. The Bengalis of 
Virginia, who have their roots in Bengal, expectedly, have a penchant 
for art, culture, music, and community life and strive to preserve 
their unique identity while intermingling with diverse ethos. They 
endeavor to strike a balance between indigenous traditions and 
cosmopolitan influences in their lifestyle and that of the next 
generation. The above values shape the foundation of NVBA's mission and 
are reflected in its major events.
  The following are among NVBA's significant achievements. They have 
sustained a rapid growth of members in the community in the past few 
years and have accommodated their social needs. They have increased the 
number, scale, and quality of the social/cultural events organized 
around the year. They have improved community relations by engaging 
with community leaders and officials, keeping communication channels 
open for dialogue, and also giving them the opportunity to experience 
Bengali culture. They have held several charitable events to help 
fellow citizens in the community and created a wing called `NVBA Cares' 
to administer such initiatives. Some of the recent activities of NVBA 
Cares include participating in food drives by partnering with Food for 
Others to help struggling families. There is also an initiative to 
support fellow members in severe health and financial distress until 
they are back on their feet again. NVBA has also participated in 
feeding the underprivileged in homeless shelters and helping in soup 
kitchens.
  In 2014, The Commonwealth of Virginia awarded a commendation plaque 
to NVBA for sharing their unique traditions with the people of this 
region and their positive impact on society. NVBA's contributions were 
also acknowledged on the Virginia House of Delegates' floor.
  From the founding fathers to the current board members, and countless 
volunteers, many individuals have worked selflessly to bring NVBA to 
its current stature in its 25th year since inception, relying on the 
simple principles of social and cultural enrichment of its members and 
promoting the spirit of harmony and goodwill in the community.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an organization which helps the citizens of 
Virginia's 10th Congressional District to thrive. I would ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the Northern Virginia Bengali 
Association and wishing it a happy 25th anniversary. I wish this 
institution continued success in the future.

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