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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 22

US lawmakers push for Diwali as federal holiday

OUR BUREAU gress would establish Diwali as the
12th federally recognised holiday in
Washington, DC
the United States.
S lawmakers, spearheaded Proponents emphasised that the
by Congresswoman Grace holiday and the accompanying day
UMeng, have reintroduced leg- off would demonstrate governmental
islation in the House of Representa- recognition of citizens’ cultures and
tives seeking to designate Diwali as a traditions.
federal holiday. Meng has similarly authored the
The Diwali Day Act has secured Lunar New Year Day Act to achieve
the backing of 19 lawmakers, includ- federal recognition for the Lunar New
ing Indian-origin representatives Year.
Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subra- The proposed legislation has
manyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna garnered endorsements from Asian
and Ami Bera. Americans Advancing Justice, Asian
Meng, who heads the Congres- by billions across South Asian, South- society,” she stated. American Federation, Coalition of
sional Asian Pacific American Cau- east Asian and Indo-Caribbean com- The caucus highlighted that Hindu Hindus of North America, Hindus for
cus, stated in an official release, “My munities. Meng noted that while the and South Asian populations nation- Human Rights, Hindu Temple Society
Diwali Day Act will help educate festival carries diverse significance wide face a concerning surge in hostili- of North America, Indian American
Americans about the importance of across various religious, ethnic and ty, intimidation and targeted violence. Impact, Indian Diaspora Council, In-
this day, and I will continue working cultural groups, it binds observers to- “This includes vandalism at Hin- do-Caribbean Alliance, International
to create a more inclusive nation that gether through reflection, prayer and du places of worship, an attempted Commission on Dalit Rights, Nation-
honours the rich cultural traditions of gatherings with loved ones. mass shooting during Navratri festiv- al Asian Pacific American Bar Associ-
its people.” “Diwali represents the triumph ities at a Hindu temple in Illinois, and ation, National Council of Asian Pa-
The draft legislation defines Di- of good over evil and knowledge over the recent racist disruption of a Di- cific Americans, OCA-Asian Pacific
wali, also referred to as Deepavali or ignorance. At a time when anti-Hindu wali celebration in Washington State. American Advocates, Sikh American
the Festival of Lights, as a pivotal an- and anti-South Asian hate is on the CAPAC has been sounding the alarm Legal Defense and Education Fund,
nual observance for several religious rise, recognising Diwali as a federal that these acts of hate must be taken The Sikh Cultural Society, The Sikh
groups, encompassing Hindus, Sikhs, holiday sends a powerful message that seriously and investigated by federal Coalition, South Asian Impact Foun-
Jains and Buddhists. Hindus, as well as Sikhs, Jains and authorities,” the caucus stated. dation and Southeast Asia Resource
The celebration is also observed Buddhists, are valued members of our Enactment of the Bill by Con- Action Center.

SIAEA to Hold 44th Annual Gala, “Beyond

Boundaries,” at Chelsea Piers on Nov. 14

Under President Mitul Patel, the society will honor nine industry leaders, present student
scholarships and welcome New York’s top building officials.

OUR BUREAU engineers meet the people who lead in 2027, wrote in this year’s gala jour-
our public agencies, and our mem- nal: “Our opportunity is to imagine
New York, NY
bers build relationships that last well boldly and build intentionally.”
he Society of Indo-American beyond one evening.” City and Regional Leaders to Attend
Engineers and Architects (SI- A Presidency Focused on Connection The keynote speaker will be Paul
TAEA) will hold its 44th Annu- Patel was sworn in by Edison A. Ochoa, Commissioner of the New
al Gala on November 14, at 6 p.m. at Mayor Sam Joshi in March 2025. At York City Department of Design and
Pier 6o, Chelsea Piers. The black-tie that ceremony he pledged to raise the Construction, who since April 2o26
evening, themed “Beyond Boundar- society’s visibility through technology, has led the agency’s $34 billion port-
ies,” will bring together engineers, improve communication with mem- folio of public projects.
architects, contractors, public agen- bers and share knowledge through Featured dignitaries will include
cy leaders and students fora night of focused seminars. Ahmed Tigani, Commissioner of
awards, scholarships and networking. Since then, SIAEA has held tech- the New York City Department of
It will be the second gala led by nical seminars on subjects such as fire Buildings; Amanda Rogers, Director
SIAEA President Mitul Patel, PE. Mitul Patel, PE 20th President of SIAEA and and smoke dampers and decarbon- of Construction for Major Capital
Patel, the founding principal of KeRi founding principal of KeRi Engineering PC ization design. This fall it launched a Projects at the Port Authority of New
Engineering PC, is the 20th president new website with a member directory York and New Jersey, whose work
since the society was founded in New “Our founders came together and private messaging, so members includes the Gateway Tunnel and the
York City in 1981 and the youngest in so that Indo-American professionals can find and contact one another di- Midtown Bus Terminal replacement;
its 44-year history. Last year’s gala, would have a seat at the table,” Pa- rectly. and New York Assemblymember
also at Chelsea Piers, drew more than tel said. “This gala is where that work President-Elect Chitra Radin, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn of the
800 members and guests. shows. Students get support, young ENV SP, who is due to succeed Patel 42nd District.

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