Gandhiji to be posthumously honored with US Congressional Gold Medal
Half a dozen influential US lawmakers, including four Indian-Americans, have moved a resolution in the US House of Representatives to posthumously award the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal to Mahatma Gandhi in recognition of his promotion of peace and non-violence. The resolution (HR 6916) was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney from New York on September 23. Here's more.
Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera among those who co-sponsored resolution
The four Indian-American lawmakers who co-sponsored the resolution in the House are Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, and Pramila Jayapal. Tulsi Gabbard, who is the current co-chair of House Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans is also one of the co-sponsors of the resolution, which has been sent to Committee on Financial Services and Committee on House Administration for necessary action.
Congressional Gold Medal, highest civilian honor given by US Congress
The announcement in this regard was made by Maloney during the popular India Day Parade held in New York in August. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor given by the US Congress and very few foreigners have been recipients of this award. Prominent among those include Mother Teresa (1997), Nelson Mandela (1998), Pope John Paul II (2000), the Dalai Lama (2006).
I am inspired every day by Gandhi's courage: Maloney
Explaining why presented the resolution, Maloney said, "Mahatma Gandhi's historic Satyagraha movement of non-violent resistance inspired a nation and the world. His example energizes us to devote ourselves to the service of others." "His legacy inspired civil rights movements... As a public servant, I'm inspired every day by his courage and example. Let's all follow Gandhi's directive," the Democratic Party member added.
Greatly appreciate the initiative of Maloney: Consul General of India
"As India and the world commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we applaud and greatly appreciate the initiative of Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney...for introducing legislation...to honor the memory of Mahatma Gandhi," said Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of India in New York.
