Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Celebrating Gandhi’s 150th Birthday
WASHINTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced a resolution celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birthday and his enduring legacy.
"Mahatma Gandhi is one of my personal heroes," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "Gandhi's dedication to public service is an inspiration, and even when faced with incredible hardship and injustice, he never wavered in fighting for freedom, dignity, and equality for all. Every day, I am grateful for the profound example he set not just for lawyers and public servants like myself, but for all of humanity. As an Indian-Americans serving in Congress, I am proud to play my part in honoring his legacy through the introduction of this bipartisan resolution honoring Mahatma Gandhi's life and legacy."
"Every day I am working to strengthen the U.S.-India relationship in my capacity as Co-Chair of the India Caucus," said Congressman Brad Sherman. "I'm proud to be an original co-sponsor of this congressional resolution to recognize the important contributions of Mahatma Gandhi by commemorating the 150th anniversary of his birth. As Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, I will continue to use my platform to promote the important values promoted by Gandhi, such as protecting religious freedom and seeking peaceful resolution to conflict through dialogue."
"Mahatma Gandhi is among the most revered and impactful leaders of our time," said Congressman George Holding. "His lifelong commitment to human rights, civil liberty, and freedom inspired countless millions across the globe. As we mark the 150th anniversary of Gandhi's birthday, let us honor his enduring legacy and celebrate his monumental impact to peace, justice, and freedom worldwide."
The Ambassador of India to the United States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla also weighed in on the importance of this resolution:
"As we commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we are once again reminded that his struggle for the pursuit of freedom, equality, and dignity for all through satyagraha finds resonance across generations and boundaries. The Resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi supported by many bipartisan cosponsors emphasizes the shared influence of Gandhi's teachings on civil rights leaders around the world, including Dr. Martin Luther King and reflects the shared values of the people of India and the United States of America."
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was an Indian lawyer and human rights activist who freed a nation from colonial rule. His non-violent resistance methods have inspired civil rights leaders all around the world from Nelson Mandela in South Africa to Dr. Martin Luther King in the United States.
Fourteen cosponsors from both political parties, including many members of the India Caucus, joined in supporting this resolution. They include Representatives George Holding, Brad Sherman, Joe Wilson, Gerry Connolly, Peter King, Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Frank Pallone, Brenda Lawrence, Pete Olson, Pramila Jayapal, TJ Cox, David Price, and Ted Yoho.