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HomeMy Public PortalAbout10112022 Hindu American Awareness & Appreciation Month Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month WHEREAS, Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month seeks to bring local awareness, recognition and acknowledgment of the significant contributions made by Hindu Americans across the United States; and WHEREAS, Hindu Americans represent diverse ethnic backgrounds, including individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Malaysian, Indonesian, Afghani, Nepali, Bhutanese, Sri Lankan, Fijian, Caribbean, and European descent; and WHEREAS, our nation has greatly benefited from Hindu Americans, especially through the Vedanta philosophy, Ayurvedic medicine, classical Indian art, dance, music, meditation, yoga, literature, and community service; and WHEREAS, the year 2022 marks the 129th anniversary of when Hinduism was officially introduced to the United States at the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, while October holds significance as the birth month of Mahatma Gandhi and often when major Hindu holidays such as Navaratri and Diwali are celebrated; and WHEREAS, Hindus are primarily an immigrant community and most Hindu immigrants come as students in search of better economic opportunities, or to unite with family members, while others have arrived after facing religious persecution in their countries of origin; and WHEREAS, Hindu Americans share the entrepreneurial spirit of America and contribute to economic vitality, growth, and wellbeing; and WHEREAS, despite their positive contributions, Hindu Americans face stereotypes and misconceptions about their heritage and have been the targets of bullying, discrimination, hate speech, and bias-motivated crimes. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mason Thompson, do hereby proclaim October as “Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month” in the City of Bothell, to increase understanding of the Hindu American community and celebrate the influence the extraordinary cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity of our residents has on our City. Signed this 11th day of October, 2022. _________________________ Mason Thompson, Mayor Mason Thompson (Oct 10, 2022 20:17 PDT) Mason Thompson