The New York State Senate has formally adopted a resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India, recognizing its enduring role as the foundation for India’s democratic progress and commitment to the rule of law. Introduced by State Senator Jeremy Cooney—currently the only legislator of Indian descent serving in Albany—the measure was unanimously approved at a special ceremony held on Wednesday.
In presenting the resolution, Senator Cooney highlighted the global significance of India’s constitutional milestone. “This is more than a celebration for India alone,” he observed. “It is an opportunity for people around the world—especially the Indian diaspora—to reflect on and honor our shared history, culture, and democratic ideals. Indians everywhere continue to make profound contributions to their communities; today we come together to acknowledge that legacy.”
The event drew a diverse gathering, including India’s Consul General in New York, Binay Pradhan, as well as leaders and members of the Indian-American community. In his remarks, Consul General Pradhan praised the resolution as a fitting tribute to India’s “shared commitment to freedom, justice, and equality,” values that resonate deeply with the United States. He noted that, by formally commemorating India’s Constitution in an American legislative body for the first time, New York State has underscored the strength of the bonds between the two nations.
Senator Cooney also shared a personal reflection on what the Constitution’s anniversary means to him. Adopted as an infant from a Kolkata orphanage and raised by a single mother in Rochester, New York, Cooney described how maintaining a connection to his Indian heritage has shaped his life and public service. “Marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution carries a profound personal significance,” he said. “It reminds me of the brave leaders who risked everything to create a blueprint for a free and just India—and it inspires me to uphold those same democratic principles in my own work here in New York.”
While prior legislative proposals have marked occasions such as Indian Independence Day, Republic Day, and major cultural festivals, this is the first resolution in any U.S. governing body to specifically honor the adoption of India’s Constitution. By celebrating this historic charter of rights and governance, New York State joins a growing chorus of voices worldwide that recognize the document’s pivotal role in guiding India’s evolution into the world’s largest democracy.
