SR1286LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286 LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286 LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r 1 SENATE RESOLUTION 2 WHEREAS, Hinduism, one of the world's oldest living 3 religions, has over one billion followers worldwide, with a 4 growing and vibrant community of Hindus in Illinois, 5 contributing to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of 6 the State; and 7 WHEREAS, Hinduism has greatly influenced global cultures, 8 science, architecture, literature, medicine, philosophy, and 9 art, thereby advancing the shared knowledge and growth of 10 humanity; and 11 WHEREAS, Hindu heritage celebrates values such as 12 non-violence and truth, referred to as Ahimsa and Satya, 13 respectively, in addition to tolerance, mutual respect, and 14 pluralism, and these values align with the principles of 15 justice and equality, which are foundational to the State of 16 Illinois and the United States; and 17 WHEREAS, Numerous Hindu temples, spiritual centers, 18 cultural organizations, and festivals are based in Illinois, 19 further enriching the cultural landscape of the State and 20 fostering greater understanding and respect among communities; 21 and SR1286 LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286- 2 -LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286 - 2 - LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286 - 2 - LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r 1 WHEREAS, Hindu Americans have made significant 2 contributions to the fields of technology, business, medicine, 3 education, science, art, and public service, enhancing the 4 prosperity and success of the State of Illinois; and 5 WHEREAS, For followers of Hinduism, October is an 6 important month that corresponds with the celebration of a 7 number of festivals, including Navaratri, Durga Puja, and 8 Diwali, marking it as a time of spiritual significance, 9 cultural expression, and community togetherness across the 10 State of Illinois and the United States; and 11 WHEREAS, Observing Hindu Heritage Month honors the 12 contributions of the Hindu community, promotes interfaith 13 dialogue, and encourages the celebration of Illinois' cultural 14 diversity; therefore, be it 15 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL 16 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the month of 17 October 2024 as Hindu Heritage Month in Illinois, and we 18 encourage the citizens of Illinois to recognize and celebrate 19 the vibrant contributions of the Hindu community to the 20 social, cultural, and economic fabric of the State; and be it 21 further 22 RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be SR1286 - 2 - LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286- 3 -LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286 - 3 - LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286 - 3 - LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r SR1286 - 3 - LRB103 43060 MST 76313 r