STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, the people of the Empire State have a longstanding tradition of acknowledging significant milestones and events of historical importance, therefore, we are proud to join with fellow citizens of Indian heritage throughout the tri-state region as they commemorate the 62nd anniversary of India’s independence with appropriate celebrations and festivities; and

Whereas, at the stroke of midnight on August 14, 1947, India became an independent nation under the provisions of the Indian Independence Act of 1947, marking the beginning of its identity as a self-governing and sovereign nation of people and, as a growing democracy, India has proven to be a courageous nation seeking to establish as its basic, fundamental principles those same values upon which the United States was founded – freedom, opportunity and justice; and

Whereas, in his eloquent speech entitled Tryst with Destiny, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India, captured the historical essence of the event with his insightful observation that, “A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance...We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again”; and

Whereas, the worldwide community of people who hail from India, or with ancestral ties to India, continually demonstrate the greatness and beauty of their homeland, and their contributions are notable and reflect success in many areas including education, medicine, science, technology and industry; and

Whereas, the celebration of India Independence Day likewise fosters appreciation for this ancient culture among today’s generation of youth with familial roots that trace back to India; and

Whereas, our great State welcomes the opportunity to be the site of marvelous events which promote a greater understanding of various cultures of the world and this festive occasion provides an excellent means by which New Yorkers of all backgrounds can experience many aspects of the vibrant Indian heritage, and we join to recognize the contributions made by the country and people of India and extend best wishes to them on commemorating this historic milestone of independence;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim August 15, 2009 as

INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twentieth day of July in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor