[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE FEDERATION OF INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS IN COMMEMORATING 
   INDIA'S 75 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE AND HONORING ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 2022

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the 
Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) as it commemorates India's 75 
years of independence as well as Asian Heritage Month. Since FIA's 
establishment in 1970, its mission has been to serve the Indian-
American community, promote Indian cultural heritage, and advance 
bilateral ties between the United States and India.
  Over the course of five decades, FIA has organized numerous outreach 
events to provide community support and to celebrate Indian culture and 
heritage. FIA's efforts have included consular document service 
assistance for over 11,000 community members, cultural dance 
competitions that have engaged over 19,000 children in celebration of 
their heritage, and an annual Diwali Soup Kitchen which has 
successfully distributed thousands of meals throughout the Northeastern 
United States. Furthermore, FIA helped to distribute personal 
protective equipment and hot meals to first responders and community 
members during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Madam Speaker, I honor the dedicated work of FIA to serve and uplift 
the Indian-American community, sustain the legacy of Indian heritage 
across generations, and foster cross-cultural cooperation and 
understanding. FIA's activities benefit all the communities in which 
its members reside, and for that, we are all grateful.

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