South OC Times

U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) have introduced a bipartisan resolution (H.Res.1394) to recognize the importance of U.S.-India relations in light of the 50th anniversary of the first BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple in the United States, which will be celebrated on August 4.

Rep. Kim, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, represents a significant Indian American community in California’s 40th District, particularly in Chino Hills near the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple, one of five traditional Hindu Mandirs in North America.

“India is the most populous democracy in the world and an important strategic partner of the United States,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “I celebrate 50 years of our vibrant BAPS community in Chino Hills and across Southern California and am so proud to represent more than 10,000 Indian Americans who are making our community a better place. I will do my part on the Foreign Affairs Committee to foster U.S.-India relations and advance our shared principles, which are more important than ever as we see rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.”

“Introducing legislation to commemorate the 50th anniversary of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the United States is an honor. This legislation not only acknowledges the historic milestone of the Mandir but also celebrates the invaluable contributions made by BAPS and its volunteers to our community over the past 50 years,” stated Congressman Tom Suozzi. “Additionally, the legislation underscores shared values such as freedom, democracy, rule of law, and religious pluralism between the U.S. and India while celebrating enduring friendship between our two nations.”

Sima Maru, Community Outreach Lead at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills remarked, “Volunteering for BAPS over the last three decades has taught me the importance of a life dedicated to service. This resolution is not just a celebration of BAPS’ impact across North America; it is a celebration of harmony and service values that drive our organization. I am truly inspired by BAPS' work and look forward to passing on its legacy of service to my children.”

The resolution aims to promote U.S.-India relations by listing shared principles such as democracy, religious pluralism, human rights, and rule of law; celebrating close people-to-people ties; recognizing contributions from over four million Indian Americans across various communities; and commemorating both this significant anniversary for BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Hindu temple and its volunteers' numerous contributions.