Washington, Might 27 (PTI): 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 likely 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 time off it could present, would enable households and mates to have a good time collectively, and exhibit 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 simple to see simply how essential today is to so many individuals. America’s power 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 Individuals on the significance of today, and celebrating the total face of American range. I look ahead to shepherding this invoice via Congress,” Meng mentioned.
Welcoming the transfer, New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar mentioned, “This yr, we noticed our whole state communicate with one voice in help of recognising Diwali and the South Asian group.” “My extraordinary companion 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 Individuals 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 Individuals don’t expertise often.
“Diwali is a particular vacation for thus 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 help Congresswoman Meng’s laws to determine ‘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 manner 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.
“The popularity of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas is pivotal to enriching the cultural material of america and fostering better understanding and appreciation for the wealthy South Asian diaspora,” mentioned Sim J Singh Attariwala, Senior Coverage and Advocacy Supervisor of The Sikh Coalition.
“At present 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 tens of millions of Individuals and symbolizes the victory of excellent over evil and of sunshine over darkness and brings collectively individuals from all backgrounds to cherish goodness, well-being, peace and prosperity – issues that everybody can worth and profit from.
“As Hindu Individuals, 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 faculties,” mentioned Dr. Neeta Jain, founder and president of the Worldwide Ahimsa Basis.
“Our kids needs to be handled equally. As our kids have a good time different cultures, others ought to have a good time and study our tradition as effectively. That is the one manner we will educate kids to have mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual acceptance,” she mentioned. PTI LKJ SMN SMN
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