Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi introduces bipartisan resolution celebrating Mahatma Gandhi

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Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois, introduced a resolution co-signed by members of both parties, celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s 150^th birthday and his enduring legacy. In anticipation of the Oct. 2 birth anniversary of the revered civil rights icon, Krishnamoorthi introduced H.Res. 595, entitled, “Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi” Sept. 25, 2019, according to the official congressional website Congress.gov.

“Mahatma Gandhi is one of my personal heroes. … 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,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement quoted in the press release.

Fourteen cosponsors from both political parties, including many members of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, joined in supporting this resolution. They include Representatives George Holding, R-NC, Brad Sherman, D-Ca., Joe Wilson, D-SC, Gerry Connolly, D-Va., Peter King, R-NY, Ami Bera, D-Ca., Ro Khanna, D-Ca., Frank Pallone, D-NJ, Brenda Lawrence, D-MI., Pete Olson, R-TX, Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, TJ Cox, D-CA., David Price, D-NC, and Ted Yoho, R-FL.

A similar resolution, S.Res. 357, was introduced in the Senate by Senator Bob Menendez, D-NJ, on Sept. 26, entitled, “A resolution celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. It has 3 co-sponsors including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Mark Warner, D-Virginia, and Sen John Cornyn, R-Texas. ,

“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-American 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,” Krishnamoorthi added.

“Every day I am working to strengthen the U.S.-India relationship in my capacity as Co-Chair of the India Caucus,” Rep. Sherman said, adding, “I’m proud to be an original co-sponsor of this congressional resolution to recognize the important contributions of Mahatma Gandhi by commemorating the 150^th anniversary of his birth.”

Sherman is also chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, and promised to use that 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, R-North Carolina. “His lifelong commitment to human rights, civil liberty, and freedom inspired countless millions across the globe,” Rep. Holding addedRp.

The Ambassador of India to the United States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla also weighed in on the importance of this resolution.

“As we commemorate the 150^th 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,” Shringla is quoted saying in the press release.

“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,” Shringla added.