US lawmaker calls for making Diwali a nationwide vacation, introduces laws | World News
A distinguished American lawmaker has 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 without doubt one of the most vital days of the yr for billions of individuals throughout the globe, and for numerous households and communities in Queens, New York, and the USA, Congresswoman Grace Meng advised reporters throughout a digital information convention right here quickly after introducing the invoice within the Home of Representatives on Friday.
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 the USA.
Establishing a federal vacation for Diwali, and the time without work it will present, would permit households and pals to have a good time collectively, and reveal 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 vital today is to so many individuals. America’s energy 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 People on the significance of today, and celebrating the complete face of American variety. I sit up for shepherding this invoice by Congress,” Meng mentioned.
Welcoming the transfer, New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar mentioned, “This yr, we noticed our complete state converse with one voice in assist of recognising Diwali and the South Asian neighborhood.”
“My extraordinary associate 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 People 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 neighborhood, New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney mentioned naming Diwali a federal vacation not solely honours those that observe however highlights a cultural custom some People 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 assist Congresswoman Meng’s laws to ascertain ‘Deepavali’ as a federal vacation. It’s essential that youngsters like my very own are in a position to formally have a good time our holidays with their households in a method that I used to be not in a position to rising up,” he mentioned.
Numerous neighborhood 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 cloth of the USA 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.
“Right now is a milestone that demonstrates our visibility, our contributions, and the progress we’re making in the USA 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 well known by thousands and thousands of People and symbolizes the victory of excellent over evil and of sunshine over darkness and brings collectively folks from all backgrounds to cherish goodness, well-being, peace and prosperity – issues that everybody can worth and profit from.
“As Hindu People, 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 colleges,” mentioned Dr. Neeta Jain, founder and president of the Worldwide Ahimsa Basis.
“Our youngsters needs to be handled equally. As our kids have a good time different cultures, others ought to have a good time and find out about our tradition as effectively. That is the one method we will educate youngsters to have mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual acceptance,” she mentioned.
