Diversity Is Our Strength: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said that diversity is the great strength of India and the United States and that both countries can only achieve their full potential if all communities are empowered.

At a Town Hall at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, which was one of his last public events in India before he returns to the United States, Gov. Murphy said, "We are stronger as a society if we include all when everybody is at the table. If we empower people, include people, if we not just talk about diversity but live diversity. We need more women, more diversity, more races, more religions, more LGBTQ community. Whether you are in India or US, if you ignore anyone, we are not going to be a stronger society. That is certainly a lesson from Gandhi's legacy."

Gov Murphy was on a week-long trade mission to India, making himself the first sitting New Jersey Governor to visit the country. The Governor was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, and members of the New Jersey trade and education delegation.

He said that diversity and empowerment of marginalized communities were Mahatma Gandhi’s message as well as that of Martin Luther King. He said, “Gandhi is a hero worldwide. Heroes have courage. Not just his celebration of non-violence, but also his passion for lifting others. That is what he left behind.”

He further states, "Let's not restrict ourselves, falling prey to what somebody wears, what their accent is, what their mother-father does, who they love, or how they worship. Let’s get to know each other, understand what is inside. Love and respect for each other."

“So anybody can be hero, find the courage, find the passion, find the belief system and you too will be a hero,” he added.