Some of the art works that are part of the ongoing Kashmir’s artistic traditions on display at Asia Society - See Photo Caption on the right

US House of Representatives Passes Resolution Recognizing Diwali

Diwali season is upon us, and Indian Americans are busy celebrating this festival. The US House of Representatives has for the first time passed a resolution recognizing the "religious and historical significance" of Diwali. The House Resolution 747, passed by an unanimous vote of 358 to 0 (with 66 members abstaining), "is the first time the US Congress has ever passed a resolution in honour of Diwali", said Joe Wilson, the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans.

"I am pleased that this legislation recognising the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali, has been brought to the floor today for consideration," the Republican from South Carolina, who was among the sponsors of the bill, said in a statement. "

Celebrated by the people of India, the Indian diaspora and the nearly 2 million Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in the US, Diwali is a five-day festival held in the fall that celebrates the values of kinship, knowledge, and goodness," Wilson said.

The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. This is commonly represented by individuals lighting oil lamps and placing them outside their
homes. "My resolution acknowledges the international, religious, and historical
importance of the festival of Diwali as well as the religious diversity in India, the United States, and throughout the world. It shows our support for the strong and growing partnership and dialogue in international efforts between the United States and India," he said. Lastly, it recognises the importance of Indian-Americans -- a strong and vibrant immigrant community, he added.

Wilson said as a lifelong supporter and admirer of the Indian-American community, he was grateful for the  opportunity to show his appreciation. "My father served in India during World War II, and he told me how entrepreneurial and competent the people of India are. I call on my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to do the same
for the citizens of India, a strategic and economic ally," the lawmaker said.

The House Resolution on Diwali acknowledged and supported "the new relationship
of collaboration and dialogue in international efforts between the United States
and India" and expressed "its deepest respect to Indian-Americans and the Indian
diaspora throughout the world on this significant occasion."

GOPIO International calls for nominations towards Community Service Awards

GOPIO International is planning to hold its annual Community Service Awards Banquet on January 6, 2008 in New Delhi preceding GOPIO's conference on January 7 and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas events of January 8 - 9, 2008. The GOPIO Community Service Awards (GOPIO CSA) are given for outstanding community service, public service and/or significant charitable or philanthropic contributions of benefit to the community.

Nominations of suitable qualified candidates are requested for consideration by GOPIO CSA Selection Committee. For details of GOPIO CSA criteria and format for submission of nominations, visit www.gopio.net/

Nominations are to be submitted by November 25, 2007 to the attention of Ashook Ramsaran, Secretary General of GOPIO International at ramsaran@aol.com.

Upendra Chivulula given NJ Chamber of Commerce Legislative Award
 
New Jersey State Assemblyman and Deputy Speaker Upendra J. Chivukula won the highly coveted, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Legislative Award, during a ceremony held at Verizon’s corporate headquarters here in New Jersey, last week. He was one of the four legislators to receive the award. The other three Legislative Award winners were Senate President Richard Codey (D-27/Essex County), Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance (R-23/Hunterdon and Warren Counties), and Assemblyman David Wolfe (R-10/Monmouth and Ocean Counties).  The recipient of the Chamber’s Business Advocate Award was Chamber Board member Jeffrey Scheininger, president, Flexline/U.S. Brass & Copper Corp.
 
 
The Indian American, who was elected to his fourth consecutive term to the New Jersey Assembly,  received this award for the progressive legislation he sponsored to help grow the state's telecommunications and utilities industries and keep and attract more business to the state.
 
In his capacity as the Chair, Telecommunications and Utilities Committee in the New Jersey General Assembly, and Assemblyman Chivukula's background as an engineer and extensive work experience with companies such as Bell Labs and AT&T, have helped him better understand the needs and challenges of these industries. Chivukula is committed to keeping and attracting more business to New Jersey by advancing policy and legislation that grow prosperity and jobs while protecting the rights and interests of the ratepayers.
 
“Tonight’s honorees have been selected because they are working to improve the economic picture of our state,” said Joan Verplanck, president of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.  “New Jersey faces many challenges and we are fortunate to have individuals such as these advocating on behalf of the employer community, and working to help grow jobs in our state. Through their individual efforts in the areas of ethics reform, fiscal integrity, economic development, public education, and health care, our award winners are helping to ensure that New Jersey remains competitive with other states – and the rest of the world.”

The Chamber selected its legislative award recipients based on their past voting records, bill sponsorships, committee votes, and overall history of supporting economic growth.
 
Assemblyman Chivukula brings real-life experience from his engineering background with him to Trenton.  As a member of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee, he has been a true friend and advocate for business on issues ranging from eminent domain to energy conservation.
 
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization based in Trenton. Created in 1911, the State Chamber staff represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues at the State House and in Washington.  The organization also links the state’s local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network.  For more information please visit www.njchamber.com.

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