Indiana State Governor has Proclaimed July 2023 as Burmese American Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS, July 1, 2023 — Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Governor of the State of Indiana, has proclaimed July, 2023 as Burmese American Community Month, recognizing the contributions and achievements of the Burmese living in Indiana as this year marks 30 years of the Burmese (Myanmar) community in Central Indiana.

The Proclamation says the growing Burmese population has been actively participating in Indiana’s economy, high educational performance, and vibrant cultural diversity thereby continuing to enrich Hoosier communities across the state and making Indiana a better place for all.

“We gratefully welcome this Proclamation as the decree not only recognizes Burmese Americans in Indiana, but the entire Burmese American community in the USA,” said Mr. Elaisa Vahnie, Executive Director of BACI. “We are deeply humbled by this historic recognition, and profoundly grateful to Governor Eric J. Holcomb, and state and city leaders for creating and sustaining a policy environment where everyone is welcome and can dream the American dream.”

A series of events in celebration of 30 years of the Burmese community in Central Indiana has been scheduled throughout this year starting in July, including a Cultural Fair on July 12, in which we will display ethnic fashions, hold a Miss Myanmar Competition, and have music and more. In addition, we will have an Awards Dinner on September 28.

The leaders of Burmese community in Indianapolis are extending an invitation to all Burmese groups, individuals, organizations, our Hoosier neighbors, and communities locally and globally to join us in celebrating this milestone.

“I would like to express my appreciation to the Governor for this timely proclamation. I am grateful also to all my fellow Burmese in Indiana for being good and contributing citizens of our Hoosier state,” said Dr. Ro Ding, chair of the Board of Directors of BACI.

Dr. Bruce Ray, BACI Board member says, “working with the Burmese American community in central Indiana has been a great joy, and I invite everyone to join in this celebration.”

Rev. Dr. Stephen Hre Kio, the founding Chair of BACI Board of Directors urges all ethnic groups of Burma in Indiana, including faith and civic leaders to join in welcoming and celebrating this historic occasion while reflecting our roots. “I want to say how grateful we are to the Governor of Indiana to proclaim the month of July as a Burmese American month. Whatever the world may say about the USA, this is still the only country where immigrants want to come and are welcomed. I strongly urge all the diaspora communities in Indiana to participate in the celebration of the special events.” 

Media Contact:
Lian Sang, Programs Director
Burmese American Community Institute
812.929.7193
info@baci-indy.org

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