
'Was adopted in an orphanage in Calcutta': Who is Indian-origin New York State senator Jeremy Cooney?
Senator Cooney spoke about his Indian origin as he introduced a resolution to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the Indian Constitution.
The New York State Senate adopted a resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, introduced by Senator Jeremy Cooney, who celebrates his
Indian origin
. 'Today, I had the privilege of introducing a Senate resolution to recognise the 75th Anniversary of the Indian Constitution.
As an orphan from Kolkata, India, I'm incredibly proud to celebrate our Indian heritage and this important landmark with my colleagues and all New Yorkers,' Senator Cooney posted on X.
'I am introducing this resolution in honour of the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, a time to celebrate Indian independence and the many brave Indians who risked their lives for the betterment of their fellow countrymen,' Cooney said during his address.
'As many of my colleagues know in the Senate, I was adopted from an orphanage in Calcutta and throughout my life, I have worked very hard to maintain a strong connection with India and Indians in my community. That connection continues today as we honour the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution,' he stated.
— SenatorCooney (@SenatorCooney)
What Jeremy Cooney revealed about his birth and birth mother
Cooney has extensively spoken about his Indian origin. In 2018, he penned his birth story in a blog, though he said he does not know much of it.
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"I don't know much about my birth mother, but I know she was alone. She came to my orphanage, the International Mission of Hope Society, pregnant and unable to keep her child. She was able to stay at the Christian mission and deliver me under medical supervision. I was born weeks later with only a first name.
No substantial records were kept, assuring her anonymity," he wrote.
He was adopted by his single mother Anne when she was 40. "Years later, I would return to that same orphanage as Jeremy Cooney, with my (adopted) mother, Anne. Single and at the age of 40, my mother took a chance and adopted a little brown boy from across the globe. She did so in the name of love. Nevertheless, it was risky at the time. I was first Indian male adoptee from India in upstate New York," he wrote.
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