Bill > AJR199

Introduced Session

This joint resolution designates July 3 of each year as "Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas)" in New Jersey to provide an opportunity for Indian Christians to celebrate the message of Jesus Christ while promoting unity and understanding between different communities. Indian Christian Day is a grassroots people's movement to celebrate the message of Jesus Christ in India each year through love, worship, and service to the poorest and most disadvantaged. July 3 is the traditionally accepted martyrdom day of Saint Thomas the Apostle, who arrived in India in 52 AD and was martyred in 72 AD after two decades of ministry. The celebration of Indian Christian Day on July 3, 2021, launched the Decade of Celebration (2021-2030) in honor of the 2,000th anniversary of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, whose teaching and life principles have helped to shape and transform India and the world. Indian Christian Day provides an opportunity for Indian Christians to celebrate their unique culture and traditions while promoting unity and understanding between different communities. Indian Christians wish to preserve their identity within the Indian cultural heritage by celebrating July 3 each year with all who wish to celebrate, irrespective of language, custom, creed, region, or religion. Given the cultural significance of July 3 for Indian Christians, it is appropriate for the State of New Jersey designate July 3 of each year as "Indian Christian Day (Yeshu Bakti Divas)" in New Jersey.

Committee Categories

Erik Peterson (R)*,  Mike Torrissi (R), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 10/17/2024)

Official Document