Press Release: Indian Consul General Amb. Riva Das presented with NYS Resolution on 100th Anniversary of Abolition of Indian Indentureship

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1 19 th July, 2017 (EST-USA) Indian Diaspora Council Shared heritage, aspirations and interests Tel (USA): Post Office Box New York USA Press Release: Indian Consul General Amb. Riva Das presented with NYS Resolution on 100th Anniversary of Abolition of Indian Indentureship New York State Assemblyman David Weprin, accompanied by Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), presented to Amb. Riva Ganguly Das, Indian Consul General in New York, the NYS Resolution #701 adopted by NYS Legislature on June 21, 2017 in recognition of the March 3, 2017 observance of the New York Indian Consulate's recognition of 100 th Anniversary of the abolition of Indian Indentureship. The presentation took take place on Wednesday July 19, 2017 at the Indian Consulate in New York. The Indian Diaspora Council International s (IDC) president Ashook Ramsaran initiated the effort for the New York State Resolution and collaborated with Hon. David Weprin who was the lead sponsor. The Resolution was co-sponsored by NYS Assembly Members Miller, Rozic, Lavine, Simon, Ortiz and several others. This Resolution complements the Proclamation by NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo issued on March 3, Indian Indentureship was an intense and harrowing period of Indian migration numbering over 1.2 million from several Indian states to far way lands of then British colonies, in particular the Caribbean region. The majority of those labourers came from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. March 20, 2017 marked the centennial of United Kingdom s official abolition by act of parliament of Indian Indentureship, an era spanning the years The history and consequences of Indian Indentureship are deeply embedded with tremendous significance, importance, meaningful history and reflections to millions of descendants living in many countries which were the recipients of Indian Indentured labourers seeking better livelihoods. These countries included: Mauritius, Fiji, Malaysia, South Africa, Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, Jamaica, Belize and other countries of the Caribbean, as well as former French colonies of Reunion Island, Seychelles, Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. The Resolution states in part: WHEREAS, The north eastern region of the USA is now home to a significant population of persons of Indian origin Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and other countries; these descendants of Indian Indentured immigrants have contributed tremendously to the economic and social fabric of US society; and WHEREAS, Acknowledging that this State is only as great as those individuals whose tireless efforts foster tolerance for people of all races and cultures, and who demonstrate good will to their fellow citizens; and WHEREAS, Such exceptional celebration are recognized and commemorated to our community, our great State of New York and our whole United States of America; now, therefore, it be RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the observance of the New York Indian Consulate's recognition of the 100 th Anniversary of the abolition of Indian Indentureship Amb. Das, accompanied by Deputy Consul General Pramaita Tripathi, a presented a memento of appreciation to Assemblyman Weprin for his support of the South Asian community, including the South Asian Community Advisory Panel. Indian Diaspora Council s Ashook Ramsaran, Santram Dukhbhanjan, Harbajan Singh, Dr Sharla Khargi and Dennis Ramdahin presented a memento of appreciation to Amb. Das for her support of IDC and its activities, as well as presentation of the Indian Diaspora World Convention 2017 convention booklet released on March 17, 2017 in Trinidad & Tobago. Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC), established in 1997, is an international non-profit organization with global affiliates and membership in 21 countries with the objective to embrace, engage and enhance the shared heritage, aspirations and interests of persons of Indian origin with optimum inclusivity.

2 Remarks by IDC President Ashook Ramsaran at the Presentation of New York State Resolution 100th Anniversary of Abolition of Indian Indentureship Labour at the Indian Consulate in New York at 6:00pm on July 19, 2017 Amb. Riva Das, Hon David Weprin, my fellow IDC colleagues, Good afternoon and thank you for this opportunity for Hon Weprin and IDC to participate in the Presentation of New York State Resolution recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Abolition of Indian Indentureship Labour. Indian Indentureship was an intense and harrowing period of Indian migration from several Indian states to far way lands of then British colonies, in particular the Caribbean region. The majority of those labourers came from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. March 20, 2017 marked the centennial of official abolition of Indian Indentureship, an era spanning the years The history and consequences of Indian Indentureship are deeply embedded with tremendous significance, importance, meaningful history and reflections to millions of descendants living in many countries which were the recipients of Indian Indentured labourers seeking better livelihoods. These countries included: Mauritius, Fiji, Malaysia, South Africa, Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, Jamaica, Belize and other countries of the Caribbean, as well as former French colonies of Reunion Island, Seychelles, Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana. It started in 1834 in Kolkata when the first ships sailed with hundreds of Indian laborers bound for Mauritius. This continued until 1917, finally It concluded with an Act of Parliament in London on 20 th March 1917 the Abolition of Indian Indentureship Labour. It was fittingly celebrated here at this Consulate on March 3, 2017 the 100th Anniversary of Abolition of Indian Indentureship Labour. Thanks to Amb Das and Consulate staff as well as IDC organizers. It was a global celebration on March 20, 2017 in Trinidad & Tobago The Indian Diaspora World Convention 2017 supported and endorsed by Gov t of India and several other governments as well as organizations. And it was adopted on June 21, 2017 at the NYS Legislature in Albany, New York. Thanks to NYS Assemblyman Weprin and co-sponsors by NYS Assembly Members Miller, Rozic, Lavine, Simon, Ortiz and several others. This complements the Citations by NYS Governor Cuomo, NYS Assembly Member David Weprin and NYS Assembly Member Nily Rosic issued on March 3, 2017, presented at this venue. In conjunction with this NYS Resolution, US Congressional Record application in process, sponsored and supported by US Congress Members Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng and Joseph Crowley.. Also in process: Proclamations and postage stamps by various countries impacted by Indian Indentureship: India, South Africa, Mauritius, Fiji, the Caribbean, UK, Netherlands, France and Canada, as well as at international agencies such as: UNESCO, Commonwealth and India s ICCR. There is also a 200-page Digital Publication supported by OIA/MEA (to be launched Sep 2017 and included in Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi, India: Title: Centennial of Abolition of Indian Indenturedship: End of an Era of Indian Migration, New Frontiers & Achievements I want to recognize IDC members present here today: Mr. Santram Dukhbhanjan (Treasurer), Mr. Dennis Ramdahin (Vihara Foundation & Sustainable Development), Mr. Harbachan Singh International Agencies); Dr Sharla Khargi (medical outreach for disabilities), as well as Mr. Mridul Pathak (Diaspora Development). The Indian Diaspora Council International (IDC) joins with its global affiliates in congratulating Amb. Das on your assignment to your new position as Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). We feel confident that your vast experience, knowledge and interest would further enhance the objectives ICCR for cultural exchange with other countries. We wish you much success in this prominent role of further outreach, engagement and fostering cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries as well as the global Indian Diaspora. We look forward to continuing partnership with ICCR and support of IDC s programs and activities consistent with ICCR s objectives. I also thank Hon David Weprin who is dear friend of the South Asian community, responsive and supportive in so many ways, including his quarterly South Asian Community Advisory Panel, immigrant rights, safety and advocacy. I now request Hon David Weprin to make a few remarks before the formal presentation.

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8 Photos taken July 19, 2017 at the Indian Consulate in New York at presentation of NYS Resolution

9 Photos taken July 19, 2017 at the Indian Consulate in New York at presentation of NYS Resolution