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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 09, 2023 | The Indian Eye 22

Indian Organizatons, Community Leaders

Applaud Rep. Meng For Introducing Legislation

To Make Diwali A Federal Holiday

OUR BUREAU Bandi Chhor Divas is pivotal to en-
riching the cultural fabric of the
QUEENS, NY
United States and fostering greater
.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D- understanding and appreciation for
NY), First Vice Chair of the the rich South Asian diaspora,” said
UCongressional Asian Pacif- Sim J Singh Attariwala, Senior Policy
ic American Caucus, last week an- and Advocacy Manager of The Sikh
nounced that she introduced the Di- Coalition. “By embracing these cele-
wali Day Act, a bill to make Diwali a brations, we not only include and inte-
federal holiday. grate communities but also strengthen
“Diwali is one of the most im- the bonds of our multicultural soci-
portant days of the year for billions ety, making America a more vibrant
of people across the globe, and for and compassionate nation for all.”
countless families and communities “Today is a milestone that demon-
in Queens, New York, and the United strates our visibility, our contributions,
States,” said Congresswoman Meng. and the progress we are making in
“Diwali celebrations are a wonderful Congresswoman Meng holds up her Diwali Day Act this afternoon as she announces the the United States with the Diwali
time here in Queens, and each year it introduction of her legislation. Day Act,” said Richard David, Board
is easy to see just how important this Member at the Indo-Caribbean Alli-
day is to so many people. America’s lead the movement for Diwali to be celebration last fall, and fully support ance. “We commend Rep. Meng for
strength is derived from the diverse a school holiday in New York City,” this legislation to continue the feder- this legislation that is important to Di-
experiences, cultures and commu- said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajku- al government’s work to uplift AAPI wali-observing communities from the
nities that make up this nation. My mar (D-NY). “This year, we saw our voices and designate Diwali as a fed- Caribbean to Asia. This is bright day
Diwali Day Act is one step toward entire state speak with one voice in eral holiday.” for all Americans.”
educating all Americans on the im- support of recognizing Diwali and the “As a scholar working with minori- “The Coalition of Hindus of
portance of this day, and celebrating South Asian community. My extraor- tized religious communities, federal North America (CoHNA) congratu-
the full face of American diversity. I dinary partner in government Con- recognition of holidays is important,” lates Representative Grace Meng for
look forward to shepherding this bill gresswoman Meng is now taking the said Dr. Natasha Raheja, Assistant introducing this bill and fully supports
through Congress.” movement national with her historic Professor of Anthropology and Per- her efforts to recognize Diwali as a
Diwali represents the triumph of legislation to make Diwali a federal forming and Media Arts at Cornell federal holiday,” said Nikunj Trivedi,
good over evil and knowledge over holiday. Together, we are showing University. “Every year, Diwali falls President of the Coalition of Hin-
ignorance. While the holiday holds a that Diwali is an American holiday. on a new moon night and is often as- dus of North America. “This joyous
different significance for various cul- To the over 4 million Americans who sociated with the end of the harvest festival is celebrated by millions of
tural, ethnic and religious groups, the celebrate Diwali, your government season. A federal holiday is fitting Americans and symbolizes the victo-
Festival of Lights is universally a time sees you and hears you.” as new moon nights are customarily ry of good over evil and of light over
for celebration, reflection, prayer and “Deepavali is a special holiday for time for workers to rest and spend darkness and brings together people
gatherings with loved ones. Diwali so many South Asian and Indo-Carib- time with their families. A joyful festi- from all backgrounds to cherish good-
will be celebrated later this year on bean communities,” said Councilman val, Diwali is celebrated in a rich vari- ness, well-being, peace and prosperity
November 12. Shekar Krishnan (D-NY). “As the ety of religious and cultural practices. - things that everyone can value and
Under the Congresswoman’s first Indian American ever elected Expanding federal holidays is a criti- benefit from. Diwali enriches the cul-
legislation, Diwali would become the to NYC government, I am so proud cal step in affirming religious diversity tural tapestry of our great nation and
12th federally recognized holiday in to support Congresswoman Meng’s in the United States.” inspires us to pursue the best that life
the United States. Establishing a fed- legislation to establish ‘Deepavali’ as “NCAPA applauds Congress- has to offer.”
eral holiday for Diwali, and the day a Federal Holiday. It is crucial that woman Meng for introducing the Endorsing organizations include
off it would provide, would allow fam- children like my own are able to offi- Diwali Day Act,” said Gregg Orton, Indian Diaspora Council, Sikh Coa-
ilies and friends to celebrate together, cially celebrate our holidays with their Executive Director of the National lition, International Commission on
and demonstrate that the government families, in a way that I was not able Council of Asian Pacific Americans Dalit Rights, Indo-Caribbean Alli-
values the diverse cultural makeup of to growing up.” (NCAPA). “The official recognition ance, National Council of Asian Pacif-
the nation. “I applaud Congresswoman Meng of Diwali allows for the acknowledg- ic Americans (NCAPA), OCA-Asian
Meng has also pushed to make for her continued work to increase the ment and celebration of individuals in Pacific American Advocates, Asian
Diwali a school holiday in her home- visibility of the Asian-American com- the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist American Federation (AAF), Nation-
town of New York City, and she con- munity,” said State Senator Jeremy faiths. Our communities deserve to be al Asian Pacific American Bar Associ-
tinues to advocate for state and local Cooney (D-NY). “Naming Diwali a seen and celebrated, and the passage ation (NAPABA), The Sikh Cultural
recognition of Diwali, along with Lu- federal holiday not only honors those of this act empowers several South Society, Hindu Temple Society of
nar New Year and Eid. who observe, but highlights a cultur- Asian and Southeast Asian communi- North America, Hindus for Human
“After making history as the first al tradition some Americans do not ties in practicing and embracing their Rights, Coalition of Hindus of North
Indian-American woman elected to experience regularly. I was proud to religious heritage.” America and Asian Americans Ad-
New York State office, I was proud to attend the White House’s first Diwali “The recognition of Diwali and vancing Justice - AAJC.

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