To: Delrico J. Loyd, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Jerome Threlkeld, Organizational Development Coordinator
title
RE: Approval to recognize October 2026 as Hindu Heritage Month in Genesee County
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a resolution recognizing October 2026 as Hindu Heritage Month in Genesee County
BACKGROUND:
One of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission’s goals is to enhance the county’s reputation for being welcoming to all
DISCUSSION:
Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with community members to co-curate this resolution being proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Inclusive, Collaborative Culture - Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with community members to co-curate this resolution being proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, October is recognized as Hindu Heritage Month in Michigan, the United States, and around the world because it often overlaps with the Hindu festivals of Diwali and Navaratri as well as being the birth month of Mahatma Gandhi and serves as an opportunity to highlight the contributions and achievements of Hindu Americans; and
WHEREAS, members of the Indian community have made significant and lasting contributions to Genesee County, including through cultural institutions such as the Sri Paschima Kasi Viswanatha Temple, (also known as Kasi Temple Flint), which holds the historic distinction of being the first Shiva Temple established in the mainland United States, founded in 1979, and that has served as a sacred place of worship, reflection, and spiritual growth for Hindu families and devotees throughout Michigan and across the nation; and
WHEREAS, pillars of the Indian-American community in Genesee County include Ashoka Rao, who has worked since 1989 to preserve the traditional Kathak dance form through the Nrityanjali dance program; Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, an otolaryngologist who served as the President of the American Medical Association in 2025; and C.K. Venkateswaran, who helped to establish the India Club of Genesee County and served as its president; and
WHEREAS, the India Club of Genesee County, established in 1974, has served as a vital cultural institution in the greater Flint area for over 50 years, preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and values of the Indian community including through vibrant public celebrations such as Holi, Diwali, Navratri, Christmas, and Republic Day, which fosters cross-cultural understanding and community unity; and
WHEREAS, the India Club of Genesee County embraces diversity and inclusion by welcoming individuals from all backgrounds to participate in its programs, creating opportunities for dialogue, connection, and mutual appreciation among communities and provides programs focused on youth engagement, education, and community service, which strengthen the broader community; and
WHEREAS, Chinmaya Mission Flint, formerly known as Chinmaya Seva Samiti, and its ashram, Tapovanam, were inaugurated by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda on July 20, 1990, in Flint, Michigan, which is dedicated to promoting spiritual, cultural, educational, and humanitarian activities through Study Groups, Bala Vihar, religious and cultural celebrations, spiritual programs, and community service; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sabita Tummala and her husband, Dr. Madhusudana Rao Tummala, made Flint their home after immigrating to the United States in 1977 and have dedicated decades to serving the Flint and Genesee County community through leadership, advocacy, healthcare, education, and philanthropy through their professional roles as a social worker and radiologist, respectively, and their volunteer roles as community leaders and co-founders of the Tummala Family Foundation, which has helped improve access to services, support underserved families, and promote unity, cultural understanding, and community well-being.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of County Commissioenrs of Genesee County, Michigan, hereby recognizes the month of October 2026 as Hindu Heritage Month in Genesee County and encourages all county departments to engage in celebratory activities and appropriate recognitions, such as participation in community events, sharing stories, and learning about India and Hindu culture.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Clerk/Register is directed to provide one copy of this resolution to each city, village, and township within Genesee County and to each County Clerk in the State of Michigan.