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