New Delhi: A distinguished American lawmaker on Friday launched a invoice within the US Congress to declare Diwali, the pageant of lights, a federal vacation, a transfer welcomed by completely different communities from throughout the nation. “Diwali is without doubt one of the most essential days of the yr for billions of individuals throughout the globe, and for numerous households and communities in Queens, New York, and america, Congresswoman Graced Meng instructed reporters throughout a digital information convention right here quickly after introducing the invoice within the Home of Representatives. The Diwali Day Act, when handed by the Congress and signed into legislation by the President, would make the pageant of lights the twelfth federally recognised vacation in america. Establishing a federal vacation for Diwali, and the break day it will present, would enable households and pals to have a good time collectively, and reveal that the federal government values the varied cultural make-up of the nation, the Congresswoman mentioned.
“Diwali celebrations are a beautiful time right here in Queens, and annually it’s straightforward to see simply how essential this present day is to so many individuals. America’s energy is derived from the varied experiences, cultures and communities that make up this nation,” she mentioned. “My Diwali Day Act is one step towards educating all People on the significance of this present day, and celebrating the complete face of American variety. I stay up for shepherding this invoice by way of Congress,” Meng mentioned.
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Welcoming the transfer, New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar mentioned, “This yr, we noticed our complete state converse with one voice in assist of recognising Diwali and the South Asian group.” “My extraordinary associate in authorities Congresswoman Meng is now taking the motion nationwide along with her historic laws to make Diwali a federal vacation. Collectively, we’re exhibiting that Diwali is an American vacation. To the over 4 million People who have a good time Diwali, your authorities sees you and hears you,” she mentioned.
Applauding Meng for her continued work to extend the visibility of the Asian-American group, New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney mentioned naming Diwali a federal vacation not solely honours those that observe however highlights a cultural custom some People don’t expertise usually. “Diwali is a particular vacation for therefore many South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities,” mentioned New York Metropolis Councilman Shekar Krishnan.
“As the primary Indian American ever elected to NYC authorities, I’m so proud to assist Congresswoman Meng’s laws to ascertain ‘Deepavali’ as a federal vacation. It’s essential that kids like my very own are in a position to formally have a good time our holidays with their households in a means that I used to be not in a position to rising up,” he mentioned.
Numerous group members applauded the introduction of the Diwali Day Act within the Home of Representatives.
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“The popularity of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas is pivotal to enriching the cultural material of america and fostering higher understanding and appreciation for the wealthy South Asian diaspora,” mentioned Sim J Singh Attariwala, Senior Coverage and Advocacy Supervisor of The Sikh Coalition. “Right this moment is a milestone that demonstrates our visibility, our contributions, and the progress we’re making in america with the Diwali Day Act,” mentioned Richard David, Board Member on the Indo-Caribbean Alliance.
Congratulation Congresswoman Meng, Coalition of Hindus of North America president Nikunj Trivedi mentioned this joyous pageant is widely known by thousands and thousands of People and symbolizes the victory of fine over evil and of sunshine over darkness and brings collectively folks from all backgrounds to cherish goodness, well-being, peace and prosperity – issues that everybody can worth and profit from.
“As Hindu People, we’re so glad to see a invoice to honour the multitude of celebrations that happen throughout the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean, and past on Diwali,? mentioned Ria Chakrabarty, Coverage Director for Hindus for Human Rights.”It’s excessive time to recognise Diwali as a vacation in US public colleges,” mentioned Dr. Neeta Jain, founder and president of the Worldwide Ahimsa Basis.
“Our kids needs to be handled equally. As our youngsters have a good time different cultures, others ought to have a good time and study our tradition as properly. That is the one means we will train kids to have mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual acceptance,” she mentioned.
