[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE INDO-AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM GALA IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ON 
                             SEPTEMBER 16TH

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                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2017

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the Indo-American 
Heritage Museum in Chicago, Illinois as they celebrate their annual 
Gala.
   The Indo-American Heritage Museum, located in the heart of Chicago's 
Indian American commercial district, is an inclusive, community-based 
institution where visitors can better understand and experience the 
cultural, historic, and contemporary development of millions of 
Americans of Indian origin.
   The mission of the Indo-American Heritage Museum is to promote 
understanding of the heritage, culture and diversity of Indian 
Americans, preserve their history and share their contributions to the 
fabric of American life. Since 1994, IAHM has collaborated with other 
institutions in Chicago, such as the Field Museum and the Chicago 
Opera, to promote Indian culture and heritage, and it has created 
hundreds of presentations for students at K-12 schools and 
universities.
   The 2017 Gala coincides with the showing of the Smithsonian's Beyond 
Bollywood exhibit in partnership with the Field Museum. The exhibition 
explores the heritage, daily experience and numerous, diverse 
contributions that Indian immigrants and Indian Americans have made to 
shaping the United States.
   Beyond the broader impact that IAHM has, it is also personal to me. 
I was raised to be proud of being American, and I make sure my children 
understand every day to be proud of the United States. At the same time 
as we embrace our identities, we never forget from where we and our 
families came.
   Today, India stands as a beacon for what can be achieved. Home to 
more than 1.3 billion people, India boasts the world's largest middle 
class and one of the world's biggest democracies. 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 cultural 
influence every day in the U.S. Capitol, and in my very own district in 
Illinois.
   I honor the Indo-American Heritage Museum as they celebrate their 
annual Gala.

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