Minnesota governor proclaims August 15 as India Day

Minnesota governor Tim Waltz has proclaimed August 15, India’s Independence Day, as India Day in the State in recognition of the contributions and heritage of Indian Americans, about 55,000 of whom call the state home.

“Today, Indian Minnesotans work as educators, business owners, health care providers, technology entrepreneurs, and artists across the state,” the proclamation noted.

The contributions and heritage of Indian Americans have played a vital role in helping and continuing to create a better nation and state,” it said

On Aug 12, the India Association of Minnesota hosted IndiaFest on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds to celebrate the culture, heritage, and traditions of India and highlight 50 years of the organization through activities such as flag-raising and a parade.

READ: Connecticut assembly honors India on its 76th anniversary (August 11, 2023)

IndiaFest provides an opportunity for Indian Minnesotans to showcase their ethnic roots and contributions to the vitality of Minnesota through cultural attire, music, dance, and food, the proclamation noted.

Here is the text of the proclamation:

“WHEREAS: India will celebrate its 76th anniversary of independence on August 15, the date the nation won independence from the British in 1947; and

WHEREAS: India is the largest democracy in the world, home to nearly a fifth of the world’s population, with extraordinary diversity and rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS: Minnesota officially welcomed Indian immigrants following the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and now is home to an Indian American community of around 55,000 people; and

WHEREAS: Today, Indian Minnesotans work as educators, business owners, health care providers, technology entrepreneurs, and artists across the state; and

WHEREAS: The contributions and heritage of Indian Americans have played a vital role in helping and continuing to create a better nation and state; and

WHEREAS: On August 12, 2023, the India Association of Minnesota will host IndiaFest on the Minnesota State Capitol grounds to celebrate the culture, heritage, and traditions of India and highlight 50 years of the organization through activities such as flag raising and a parade; and

WHEREAS: IndiaFest provides an opportunity for Indian Minnesotans to showcase their ethnic roots and contributions to the vitality of Minnesota through cultural attire, music, dance, and food.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, August 15, 2023, as: INDIA DAY

In the State of Minnesota.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 10th day of August.