Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman LUANNE M. PETERPAUL
District 11 (Monmouth)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Torrissi
SYNOPSIS
Designates July 3 of each year as Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas) in NJ.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating July 3 of each year as Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas) in New Jersey.
Whereas, Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas in Hindi) is a peoples movement to celebrate the message of Jesus Christ in India; and
Whereas, The vision of the Indian Christian Day movement is of a grassroots volunteer effort supporting grassroots initiatives for the purpose of celebrating July 3 each year through love and service to the poorest and most disadvantaged; and
Whereas, July 3 is the traditionally accepted martyrdom day of Saint Thomas the Apostle, who arrived in India in 52 AD and was martyred in 72 AD after two decades of ministry; and
Whereas, The celebration of Indian Christian Day on July 3, 2021, launched the Decade of Celebration (2021-2030) in honor of the 2,000th anniversary of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, whose teaching and life principles have helped to shape and transform India and the world; and
Whereas, Indian Christian Day is a day to recognize the legacy and many contributions of Christianity on Indian culture, society, and nation building through acts of worship; and
Whereas, Indian Christian Day provides an opportunity for Indian Christians to celebrate their unique culture and traditions while promoting unity and understanding between different communities; and
Whereas, Indian Christians wish to preserve their identity within the Indian cultural heritage by celebrating Indian Christian Day on July 3 of each year with all who wish to celebrate, irrespective of language, custom, creed, region, or religion; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. July 3 of each year is designated as Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas) to provide an opportunity for Indian Christians to celebrate the message of Jesus Christ through love, worship, and service to the poorest and most disadvantaged while promoting unity and understanding between different communities.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to issue an annual proclamation calling upon public officials, citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas) with appropriate programs and activities.
3. This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates July 3 of each year as Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas) in New Jersey to provide an opportunity for Indian Christians to celebrate the message of Jesus Christ while promoting unity and understanding between different communities. Indian Christian Day is a grassroots peoples movement to celebrate the message of Jesus Christ in India each year through love, worship, and service to the poorest and most disadvantaged.
July 3 is the traditionally accepted martyrdom day of Saint Thomas the Apostle, who arrived in India in 52 AD and was martyred in 72 AD after two decades of ministry. The celebration of Indian Christian Day on July 3, 2021, launched the Decade of Celebration (2021-2030) in honor of the 2,000th anniversary of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, whose teaching and life principles have helped to shape and transform India and the world. Indian Christian Day provides an opportunity for Indian Christians to celebrate their unique culture and traditions while promoting unity and understanding between different communities. Indian Christians wish to preserve their identity within the Indian cultural heritage by celebrating July 3 each year with all who wish to celebrate, irrespective of language, custom, creed, region, or religion.
Given the cultural significance of July 3 for Indian Christians, it is appropriate for the State of New Jersey designate July 3 of each year as Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas) in New Jersey.