WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP):  Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance of the U.S.-India relations ahead of the 50th anniversary of the first BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in the United States on August 4, 2024.

“Introducing legislation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the United States is an honor. This legislation not only acknowledges the historic milestone of the Mandir but also celebrates the invaluable contributions made by BAPS and its volunteers to our community over the past 50 years,” stated Suozzi. “Additionally, the legislation underscores the shared values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and religious pluralism between the U.S. and India while celebrating the enduring friendship between our two nations.”

Congressman Suozzi, a long-time friend and supporter of the Indian American community, proudly represents New York’s 3rd Congressional District. The district, which extends from northeast Queens to Nassau County, including Hicksville, one of the most heavily concentrated populations of Indian residents on Long Island, is home to a large, active, and diverse community with roots in South Asia.

The bipartisan resolution, H.Res. 1394, “Celebrating the principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, and the rule of law shared by both the United States and India, the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and India, and the success of the Indian diaspora in the United States,” currently has 37 co-sponsors. This resolution also celebrates the religious pluralism of India, and the prosperity of the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, and Jain communities.

“India is the world’s most populous democracy in the world and an important strategic partner of the United States,” said Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA), lead co-sponsor of the resolution and Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific. “I celebrate 50 years of our vibrant BAPS community in Chino Hills and across Southern California and am so proud to represent more than 10,000 Indian Americans who are making our community a better place. I will do my part on the Foreign Affairs Committee to foster U.S.-India relations and advance our shared principles, which are more important than ever as we see rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.”

The resolution also commemorates the first BAPS mandir in North America, built by the Pramukh Swami Maharaj on Flushing’s historic Bowne Street in 1974. Since then, six traditional stone Hindu mandirs and 108 Hari Mandirs have been built in the United States and Canada, including the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, NY.

“As a volunteer with BAPS for over 40 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact our community has had across the nation. The resolution introduced in the House recognizing our 50-year journey in North America is not just an honor for our organization but a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Gurus —Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj — as well as every volunteer and well-wisher. We are grateful for this recognition that reaffirms our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage and serving society,” said Girish Patel, Lead Community Outreach Volunteer, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Melville, NY.

H.Res. 1394 promotes U.S.-India relations by:

• Recognizing the importance of the United States-India strategic bilateral relationship;
• Celebrating the people-to-people bonds of friendship between India and the United States;
• Affirming the commitment to freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and religious pluralism shared by the United States and India; and
• Recognizing and celebrating the countless contributions of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its volunteers over the last 50 years in the United States.