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New York Senate adopts Indian Independence Day resolution
The resolution was sponsored by Indian American Democratic New York State Sen. Jeremy Cooney.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Tue, 02, Jun 2026
- 23:13 EDT
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Indian American Democratic New York State Sen. Jeremy Cooney. / Wikimedia commons
The New York State Senate adopted Resolution J1935, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to proclaim Aug. 15, 2026, as India Independence Day in the State of New York and paving the way for statewide celebrations of India's Independence Day.
As the Senate discussed Resolution J1935, many senators spoke about India’s civilizational heritage, democratic traditions, Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message and the remarkable contributions of the Indian American community to New York and the United States.
The resolution, which was subsequently adopted by the Senate, was sponsored by Indian American Democratic New York State Sen. Jeremy Cooney.
Cooney, who was adopted from an orphanage in Kolkata, India, and raised by a single mother in the city of Rochester, made history in 2020 as the first Asian American elected to state office from upstate New York.
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Highlighting the significance of his resolution, Cooney said in the Senate, “Across the globe, Indians are making lasting impacts in their communities, and this is an opportunity to join together and celebrate and reflect on our shared history, culture, and heritage.”
Reacting to the resolution, the Consulate General of India in New York said in a statement, "The remarks reflected the deep people-to-people bonds between India and the United States and the growing role of the Indian American diaspora in strengthening communities across New York."
It added, "The Consulate General of India, New York, expresses its sincere gratitude to Senator Jeremy Cooney for sponsoring the adopted resolution. The Consulate also thanks the Hon’ble Senators and the New York State Senate for their warm recognition of India’s rich heritage and the invaluable contributions of the Indian American community to New York."
From India’s heritage to New York’s heart: celebrating bonds of democracy and community.
— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) June 3, 2026
Sharing video glimpses of remarks by New York State Senators Mr. Jeremy Cooney @SenatorCooney , Mr. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. @SenJoeAddabbo , Mr. John C. Liu @LiuNewYork , Mr. Jeremy J. Zellner… pic.twitter.com/M5vyrCYyQm
Also in support of the resolution was State Sen. John C. Liu, noting, "Madam President, India has been around for thousands of years. It has been a civilization. It has been a country. It has been a model of democracy for actually a lot longer than our country. But we celebrate the contributions of Indian Americans to our communities right here in New York and in the United States."
In a display of bipartisan support, the resolution was also hailed and supported by Republican state Sens. Steven D. Rhoads and Jack M. Martins.
In his Senate address, Sen. Rhoads said, "I am proud to represent a district that is enriched by a dynamic and growing Indian population whose culture, traditions, entrepreneurship, and community spirit really strengthen our neighborhoods every single day."
Echoing similar sentiments, Sen. Martins said, "There are large Indian American communities throughout New York State. They have become integral to our communities, not only participating as business owners and civic leaders, but also academically excelling in our schools. They truly are the path to the future."
CGI New York hailed the resolution and noted that it "deeply appreciates this recognition by the New York State Senate, which reflects the close bonds of friendship, democracy and shared values between India and the United States."
Discover more at New India Abroad.
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