Agenda Summary
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Proclaiming July 2026 as South Asian Heritage Month in Somerville.
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Official Text
Proclamation
WHEREAS: South Asian Heritage Month, observed annually from July 1 through July 31, celebrates the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of people with roots in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives; and
WHEREAS: South Asia is home to a rich diversity of languages, faiths, customs, art forms, cuisines, and cultural traditions, reflecting the distinct identities and experiences found across the region and throughout the global South Asian diaspora; and
WHEREAS: Somerville is proud to be home to residents, families, community leaders, business owners, artists, and public servants of South Asian heritage who contribute to the vibrancy and strength of our city; and
WHEREAS: Nepali Class Boston, a Sunday school program established in 2014 and continuously operating in Somerville since 2018, provides children ages 5 to 15 with opportunities to study Nepali language, traditions, festivals, arts, music, history, and values, helping younger generations build meaningful connections to Nepal’s rich cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS: Nepali Class Boston also participates in City events and helps connect community members with multilingual information, services, and resources provided by the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs, strengthening communication and access across the community; and
WHEREAS: The Non-Resident Nepali Association NCC USA Massachusetts Chapter is a valued community partner that promotes cultural awareness, inclusion, and civic engagement through events including the annual Nepali New Year flag-raising ceremony and the Somerville Nepali Street Food Festival, organized in partnership with the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs and the Somerville Arts and Culture Division; and
WHEREAS: The NRNA NCC USA Massachusetts Chapter has also demonstrated a strong commitment to serving residents during times of need, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, by connecting community members with resources and distributing important public information; and
WHEREAS: South Asian Heritage Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures within the South Asian diaspora, learn from their histories and lived experiences, and deepen connections among neighbors; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville remains committed to building an inclusive community where people of every background are welcomed, respected, and able to thrive;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT KNOWN TO ALL THOSE PRESENT that I, Jake Wilson, Mayor of the City of Somerville, do hereby proclaim July 2026 as South Asian Heritage Month in Somerville and encourage all residents to celebrate the cultures and contributions of our South Asian neighbors and learn more about the diverse histories and traditions of South Asian communities.
Proclaimed on this 27th day of August, 2026 by
Jake Wilson
Mayor