Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., has introduced a bipartisan resolution with 256 co-sponsors to honor the contributions of Indian Americans and support the designation of July as Indian American Heritage Month.
More than 5.2 million Indian Americans live in the United States, according to a statement from Krishnamoorthi’s office. The resolution recognizes their contributions to science and medicine, technology and business, public service and the military, education and philanthropy, arts and culture, and athletics.
“Indian Americans have helped shape this country for generations, from breakthroughs that have saved lives and businesses that have created jobs to lifetimes of service in our military and public office,” Krishnamoorthi said. “I’m proud to lead 256 of my colleagues in designating July as Indian American Heritage Month to honor that legacy and celebrate the many ways Indian Americans continue to enrich our country.”
According to the statement, the proposed July designation commemorates President Harry S. Truman’s signing of the Luce-Celler Act on July 2, 1946. The law made people of Indian descent eligible for naturalization as U.S. citizens.
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The resolution also recognizes the religious and cultural diversity of the Indian American community and the contributions of generations of Indian Americans to the nation’s cultural, economic and civic life, the statement said.
