[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 145 (Friday, September 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING ANNUAL APPRECIATION BANQUET AT SRI VENKATES-
              WARA SWAMI (BALAJI) TEMPLE ON SEPTEMBER 9TH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 8, 2017

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Sri Venkateswara Swami 
(Balaji) Temple's significant, enduring contributions to our community, 
state, and country.
  The Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) temple has opened its doors to 
devotees for more than 30 years. Its mission is to promote the highest 
values of Hindu culture, philosophy, religion, spirituality, and 
tradition in the United States with benevolence, compassion, and 
tolerance. It holds a prestigious reputation as one of the most 
beautiful and authentic Hindu temples outside of India.
  Each year the annual Appreciation Banquet is held to honor all who 
worship and participate in the Temple's social and cultural gatherings. 
The Banquet also serves as an opportunity to show Hindu traditions to 
our children, and to promote getting youth further involved in temple 
activities.
  Every time I visit the beautiful Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) 
temple in Aurora, Illinois, I am inspired by the congregation's 
devotion and its commitment to making our community stronger. Hinduism 
is a religion that prides itself on pluralism, inclusion, tolerance, 
non-violence, and the embrace of diversity.
  These are not only the values of the temple; they are also our shared 
American values. When people try to divide Americans or separate us, we 
need to remember that all of us belong together and that diversity and 
inclusion make us stronger as a country.
  I honor the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) temple's annual 
appreciation banquet in Aurora, Illinois on September 9th.

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