India Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the second world figure to support the creation and operation of a privately funded Eternal Gandhi Museum planned for southwest Houston.

“The Eternal Gandhi museum will be a prized cultural landmark in Houston,” said Modi, leader of the world’s most populous democracy, during his weekend visit to Houston. “I have been associated with this effort for a while. It will surely make Gandhi’s thoughts popular among the youth.”

His Holiness The Dalai Lama, world leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan people, endorsed the museum project in January letter to its local backers.

Gandhi was the Indian leader whose non-violent resistance movement led India to independence from British Rule and inspired later civil rights movements in other nations.

After Modi’s speech Sunday to about 50,000 people at NRG Stadium, Modi met with Indian-American business leaders and unveiled a plaque stating that he had symbolically participated in the ground-breaking for the museum, which will take place in southwest Houston. ANI News video of the unveiling is here.

Mayor Sylvester Turner visited Rajghat, the Gandhi Memorial in New Delhi, during the Greater Houston Partnership trade mission he led to India in November 2018.

The mayor related the Eternal Gandhi Museum project in Houston to his visit to Gandhi’s living quarters and the garden where Gandhi was assassinated in 1948.

“The kind words from Prime Minister Modi and His Holiness The Dalai Lama help us show that here in the nation’s most diverse city, we live the values of tolerance, inclusion and pluralism, which were among Gandhi’s most important teachings. We are a welcoming city, where one of every four residents is foreign-born and where we build relationships rather than walls,” the mayor said.

Governor Greg Abbott today delivered remarks at a luncheon with leaders of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) luncheon in Tokyo, Japan. The Governor praised the dynamic trade partnership between Japan and Texas, and discussed ways to grow both of our economies.

“JETRO continues to play an essential role in developing a strong partnership between Japan and Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Japan and Texas are half a world apart, but we are working every day to close that gap by facilitating more trade and investment between our two regions. Together, we will create a more robust partnership and a more prosperous economic future.”

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a government-related organization promoting international trade and investment. They offer foreign investors with abundant information on all aspects of doing business in Japan by providing expert consultation and offering free temporary office space in major business areas across the country. JETRO was established in 1958 and is focused on investment in Japan, supporting the overseas business of Japanese firms, and facilitating economic growth in developing countries through trade promotion. JETRO has one office in Houston, which assists companies in the U.S. South Central Regional in investing in Japan, providing direct access to the Invest in Japan Business Support Centers where American companies can be supplied with market information

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:   

WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on August 23, 2017, certifying that Hurricane Harvey posed a threat of imminent disaster for Aransas, Austin, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton, and Wilson counties; and

WHEREAS, the disaster proclamation of August 23, 2017, was subsequently amended on August 26, August 27, August 28 and September 14 to add the following counties to the disaster proclamation: Angelina, Atascosa, Bastrop, Bexar, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Cameron, Comal, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Jasper, Kerr, Lee, Leon, Madison, Milam, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Washington, and Willacy; and

WHEREAS, on September 20, 2017, and in each subsequent month effective through today, I issued proclamations renewing the disaster declaration for all counties listed above; and

WHEREAS, due to the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, a state of disaster continues to exist in those same counties;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby renew the disaster proclamation for the 60 counties listed above.

Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.

Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the code, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.

In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 28th day of September, 2019.

Governor Greg Abbott

“Fort Bend County mourns with the family and friends of Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal, our neighbors at the Harris County Sheriff’s office, and all those throughout our community that were touched by the kindness of Deputy Dhaliwal over a storied and trailblazing career in law enforcement. He was a groundbreaking officer in our region, state, and country because he worked hard to break barriers and received permission to wear the garb of his Sikh faith on patrol paving the way for so many and inspiring countless in the process. Deputy Dhaliwal was a shining example of the values we hold dear in our diverse region by exuding compassion and understanding in every aspect of his career from connecting with the youth to serving by example during the disaster of Hurricane Harvey. As a mark of solemn respect for the downed law enforcement officer, by the authority vested in me, I hereby order the flags of Fort Bend County be flown at half-staff until sunset on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019.”

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls: “Deputy Dhaliwal led the way for others to serve their community without sacrificing the beliefs of their religion or culture. His death is truly a loss for our community.”

District Attorney Brian Middleton: “Due to Deputy Dhaliwal’s murder being apprehended and charged with capital murder, justice will be swift and proportionate to the crime. Deputy Dhaliwal paid the ultimate sacrifice for his service to the community. I and other law enforcement officials stand with Deputy Dhaliwal’s family and will insure Deputy Dhaliwal’s courage and service will never be forgotten.”