March 28, 2000
Washington, DC

The Maryland House of Delegates and the Senate of Maryland approved separate Resolutions yesterday, congratulating the Government of India on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Indian Republic.

2. The House Resolution, sponsored by Delegate Kumar P. Barve, "offers its sincerest congratulations to the Republic of India in recognition of its Golden Anniversary and as an expression of our true admiration and great respect for the largest democracy in the world". The Senate Resolution, sponsored by the President and all Members, "offers its sincerest congratulations to the Republic of India in recognition of its Golden Anniversary celebrating 50 years of democracy".

3. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate presented the Resolutions to the Indian Charge d’Affaires, Mr. T.P. Sreenivasan at separate ceremonies at the State House. Responding to the Resolutions, Mr. Sreenivasan said that India felt greatly honoured that the House of Delegates and the Senate of Maryland had approved congratulatory Resolutions on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Indian Republic. He noted that the Indian Constitution, adopted 50 years ago, was inspired by the ideals and aspirations of the US Constitution. He also said that the honour came to India at a historic moment when a new chapter in Indo-US relations was opened by the historic and highly successful visit to India by President Clinton. The Delegates and the Senators gave India a standing ovation at the end of the ceremony.

4. Earlier, several Delegates and Senators attended a reception hosted by the Charge d’Affaires in the Silver Room of the State House.