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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 14, 2025 | The Indian Eye 18

LIGHTS of UNITY:

Mayor Eric Adams Hosts Grand

Diwali Celebration at Gracie Mansion

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY

racie Mansion shimmered
with lamps, colors, and com-
Gmunity spirit on October 17
as New York City Mayor Eric Adams
hosted a grand Diwali celebration,
honoring the Indian and South Asian
communities whose cultural and eco-
nomic contributions continue to en-
rich the city’s dynamic fabric.
Welcoming diplomats, com-
munity leaders, and artists, Adams
called Diwali “a festival that reminds
us there’s far too much darkness in
the world and not enough light.” The
event, organized by the Mayor’s Of-
fice of International Affairs and led
by Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chau-
han, transformed the historic mayoral
residence into a vibrant space of faith,
fellowship, and gratitude.
“Diwali is a time for reflection,
renewal and unity — a triumph of
light over darkness, good over evil,
and knowledge over ignorance,” said
Chauhan, who opened the evening
by describing Gracie Mansion as “the
people’s house, the mayor’s house.” country, and our world. Diwali gives us ing the city’s future,” he said. “As long nity. “In Guyana, Diwali is a national
He hailed the collective effort that an opportunity to ask: how do we cele- as we work together, we will lift this holiday, a demonstration of our re-
led to the recognition of Diwali as an brate each other? How do we lift each beautiful city to the level it deserves.” ligious freedom and tolerance,” he
official New York City public school other up—in the spirit of Gandhi?” The evening also featured mes- said. “The lights we hang are symbols
holiday, calling it “a historic first made He recalled his visit to India and sages from diplomats representing of hope, peace, and belonging.”
possible by years of advocacy.” the moving experience of standing at multicultural traditions of the festival. Following the lighting of the
Representing India, Deputy Con- Mahatma Gandhi’s final steps. “I re- Niel Parsan, Ambassador of Trin- ceremonial diya, Mayor Adams and
sul General Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh member looking at the pavement and idad and Tobago, described Diwali as Deputy Commissioner Chauhan hon-
conveyed festive greetings and high- seeing his last footprints before the as- “the flame of faith, family, and na- ored several community figures whose
lighted the festival’s timeless message sassin took his life,” Adams said. “We tionhood — the undeniable triumph work reflects Diwali’s spirit of service
of hope and harmony. “Even a single may have lost Gandhi physically, but of good over evil, unity over division, and creativity.
lamp can dispel great darkness,” he the emotional and spiritual journey he and courage over fear.” In his country, Manju Masson, New York-based
said. “The declaration of Diwali as inspired must continue—not only in he noted, Diwali is “a national expres- entrepreneur and philanthropist,
a school holiday reflects inclusion, India but here in America, and espe- sion of harmony” where “each one of thanked the city for “bringing this
respect, and the recognition of our cially in New York City.” us can light a lamp in another’s life beautiful Diwali celebration to life.”
shared values.” Adams praised the Indian through our kindness and service.” Hammond Kumar Sumay, musi-
Taking the stage to loud applause, community’s contributions across Malaysia’s Consul General Nora- cian and Surinamese community lead-
Mayor Adams—introduced warmly fields—from medicine and technol- la Jal spoke of Deepavali as a celebra- er, acknowledged the mayor for sup-
as the “Hindu mayor of New York”— ogy to civic service—and pointed to tion embraced by all Malaysians. “Our porting Indo-Caribbean heritage and
spoke with emotion about Diwali’s milestones under his administration, streets are lit, our homes are open, “making the first Surinamese flag-rais-
universal symbolism. including the appointment of the and our hearts are full of unity,” she ing in New York City possible.”
“The symbolism of turning Diwali city’s first Indian-American Depu- said. “Diversity is woven into the very Chef Vikas Khanna, eight-time
into a school holiday is so significant,” ty Mayor and Dr. Ashwin Vasan as fabric of our identity.” Michelin-starred chef and author of
he said. “It acknowledges the festival Health Commissioner. From Guyana, Vice Consul Jeff 40 books, called New York “the city of
of light and reminds us that there is “From our hospitals to our class- Magantian reflected on Diwali’s deep rebirth.” “Our food became our soft
far too much darkness in our city, our rooms to our startups, you are shap- roots in the Indo-Caribbean commu- Continued on next page... >>

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