Page 14 - The Indian EYE 102723

North The Indian Eye
AMERICANNewsline

14 OCTOBER 27, 2023

NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS HOSTS ANNUAL

RECEPTION CELEBRATING DIWALI

Hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the globe witnessed this historic celebration, which

marked unveiling of the largest Hindu mandir in the United States

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY

ayor Eric Adams of the
City of New York wel-
Mcomed more than 1,044
attendees to a vibrant reception in
honor of Diwali at Gracie Mansion
on October 17, 2023. This auspicious
occasion was an opportunity for di-
verse communities to come together
and celebrate the Festival of Lights,
an important festival in the Indian
culture. The highlight of the event
was the presence of World Vegan
Vision founded by H.K. Shah and
Malti Shah, a major coordinator and
supporter, who provided plant-based
vegan mithai (sweets) and savory
delicacies. The conscious decision to
offer vegan options was aligned with
the event’s theme of promoting en-
vironmental sustainability and plant-
based lifestyles.
Speaking at the occasion, Dep-
uty Commissioner Dilip Chauhan,
Trade, Investment and Innovation,
Mayor’s Office of International Af-
fairs said: “I would like to introduce Eric Adams gave a promise during “Diwali is a time of joy, illumination, Councilperson Brewer, a longtime
two people who made New York City the Diwali celebration at Brooklyn and unity. It is a celebration that friend, former borough president.
Diwali declared as a holiday in pub- Borough Hall, when I will become brings people from different back- Councilman Krishnan, Councilmem-
lic schools. We were waiting since last the mayor, I will make sure, Dilip, grounds together to embrace cultur- ber Lee, and all of our state and assem-
20 years. You all have worked hard to your daughter doesn’t need to go al diversity and strengthen our com- bly lawmakers who assisted, particu-
recognize this celebration. Without to school on your celebration. Your munity. We are honored to host this larly Assemblymember and Speaker
further ado, I would like to just say friends’ daughter and son, they don’t event and share the spirit of Diwali Carl Heastie and Majority Leader
two words about our Assemblymem- have to go to the school during your with New Yorkers.” Andrea StewartCousins for getting
ber Jenifer Rajkumar.” celebration.” Speaking at the event, Mayor this bill through and making this
“Jenifer Rajkumar, she’s a proud Assemblywoman Jenifer Raj- Eric Adams, said: “I want to really holiday happen,” the mayor added.
Hindu American Assemblymember kumar said: “Today I am proud to thank our Assemblywoman who has “And so, years ago when I was
from the State of New York. We all stand before the whole world and say been a real partner in moving this in India, I’ll never forget going to
are very proud of Assemblymember that from now on and forever Diwali important holiday to the forefront. I the home of Mahatma Gandhi and
Jenifer Rajkumar. She’s the principal will be a school holiday in New York remember last year hearing so many seeing his last steps. They were
to introduce this bill in the New York City. And today our government says people who wanted this holiday as permanently in the sidewalk in the
State Assembly, and the result of to over 600,000 Hindus, Buddhists, we moved around the city. And she pavement. And it’s symbolic that the
that, right now we can see Diwali is Sikhs and Jains, we see you, we rec- took that energy to Albany and en- bullet took his life, but it’s up to us
declared as a holiday in public school. ognize you, we hear you — and Di- sured that we will live up to the com- to continue the journey. His physical
Let’s have a big round of applause wali is an American holiday.” mitment and promise of this import- transformation through that murder
for Jenifer Rajkumar,” he added. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized ant holiday.” should not stop the spiritual journey,”
“Now, I just mentioned a few the importance of celebrating diver- “But I also want to thank my part- said Adams. “And Diwali is more
minutes before that this mayor, when sity and fostering a sense of belong- ners who are here in government as than just a holiday. It is a reminder
he was Brooklyn borough president, ing in the City of New York, stating, well. Assemblymember Grace Lee, Continued on next page... >>

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