The legislation was first introduced by John Lewis in 2009, and then every two years.
Washington:
The Indo-American community has condemned the death of iconic civil rights leader John Lewis, who, as a member of the United States House of Representatives, was instrumental in the introduction and adoption of several laws relating to India and Mahatma Gandhi.
John Lewis, who died on July 17 at the age of 80, represented the 5th Congress District of Georgia in the United States House of Representatives from 1987 until his death.
The Indo-American community condemned the death of John Lewis, claiming that he was a true friend of India and that he firmly believed in Gandhi and peace.
India’s ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, called John Lewis a true friend of India.
“We mourn the loss of Congressman John Lewis, an iconic figure in the civil rights movement, champion of ahimsa and nonviolence and a true friend of India. He will continue to inspire generations to come. throughout his life and the values he stood for. ” Taranjit Singh Sandhu tweeted.
Indian Senator Kamala Harris said in a statement that John Lewis was a giant who showed endless generosity and love for the country.
“Congressman John Lewis was an American hero, a giant whose shoulders rest on many of us. Throughout his life, he demonstrated courage, generosity and love endless for our country, “she said.
In December, Democratic Congressman John Lewis reintroduced the Gandhi-King Scholarly Exchange Initiative Act, which affirmed Indo-American friendship and proposed establishing a collaborative bilateral partnership to advance development and share values .
The legislation was first introduced by John Lewis in 2009, and then every two years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the death of John Lewis on Sunday, saying his legacy will continue to last and inspire people.
In 2009, John Lewis led a Congress delegation to India to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s historic trip to India to trace the stages of Mahatma Gandhi.
“It was a great honor to be able to walk in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi. Visiting his grave, the site of his assassination, his ashram and his homes is like walking on sacred ground,” said John Lewis.
He also introduced a bill in the House to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to India.
John Lewis was instrumental in the introduction and adoption of several laws related to India and Mahatma Gandhi.
One of them was the 1998 legislation which authorized the Indian government to establish a memorial to honor Mahatma Gandhi on federal lands in the District of Columbia.
Various leaders in the Indo-American community have condemned the death of John Lewis.
Congressman John Lewis has been the torch-bearer of civil rights for all citizens of the United States, said prominent Indo-American Ramesh Shah of Ekal Vidyalaya.
“He has always been respectful to everyone. He has never disrespected any politician,” said Ramesh Shah, adding that he was a guiding light and a hope for minorities in the United States, including the American Indians.
“America has lost a hero. I have lost a hero, a dear friend, a cohort and a colleague of” good trouble “,” said Congressman Steve Cohen.
“It was an honor to know and serve with this gentleman. He was the embodiment of Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi and heaven on earth,” he said.
