Chino Hills, CA – U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution (H.Res.1394) recognizing the importance of 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.
Rep. Kim serves as chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific and represents a large Indian American community in California’s 40th District, especially in Chino Hills near the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple, the fifth traditional Hindu Mandir in North America.
“India is the most populous democracy in the world and an important strategic partner of the United States,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “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.”
“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 Congressman Tom 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 also celebrating the enduring friendship between our two nations.”
“Volunteering for BAPS over the last three decades has taught me the importance of a life dedicated to the service of others. This resolution is not just a celebration of BAPS’ impact across North America; it is a celebration of the values of harmony and service that drive the organization, passed down and embodied by our Gurus. I am truly inspired by the work BAPS has done and am excited to be a part of its continuing legacy of service, which I look forward to passing on to my children,” said Sima Maru, Community Outreach Lead, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills.
This resolution promotes U.S.-India relations by:
- Listing the countries’ shared principles of democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, and rule of law;
- Celebrating close people-to-people ties and friendship between India and the U.S.;
- Recognizing the vast contributions of more than 4 million Indian Americans in the United States in communities across the nation; and,
- Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Hindu temple in the U.S. on August 4 and the countless contributions of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and its volunteers.
