[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 135 (Friday, August 11, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDIA'S INDEPENDENCE

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                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 11, 2017

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 70th 
Anniversary of Indian Independence from the British Empire.
   Seventy years ago, millions of Indians banded together for 
independence and rallied to attain freedom from Britain. Among them 
were more than 1,600 languages and dialects, eight major religions, and 
in excess of 350 million people. Despite these differences, they were 
united by a singular desire for democratic home rule. Ordinary men and 
women fought peacefully to realize this dream, and their victory stands 
as a testament to the enduring power of freedom.
   Today, India stands as a beacon for what can be achieved. As the 
world's largest democracy and home to more than 1.3 billion people, 
India boasts the world's largest middle class and one of the world's 
highest economic growth rates. Meanwhile, India's reach extends far 
beyond her borders. Today, there are five Indian-American members of 
Congress including myself, and India has become one of the United 
States' largest trading partners. I see India's influence every day in 
the U.S. Capitol and in my very own congressional district in Illinois. 
My district is nearly 10 percent Indian-American, one of the highest 
percentages in the country, and my constituents take pride in seeing 
how much their homeland has grown in prominence. We all share in the 
joy of seeing how far India has come, and I have no doubt that this 
progress will continue.
   Looking ahead, India will continue to grow and become stronger for 
the same reason that the United States has endured: its belief in 
democracy, justice, free and fair elections, freedom of conscience and 
press, and the diversity of cultures and religions that withstood the 
tests of the Mughal Empire, British Rule, Partition, and globalization.
   Seventy years ago, India's people dreamed of a free and democratic 
country. Today, that dream is a reality. Tomorrow and far into the 
future, that reality will endure.
   I would like to honor Indian Independence Day on August 15, 2017.

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