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 totally different communities from throughout the nation.

“Diwali is likely one of the most essential days of the 12 months for billions of individuals throughout the globe, and for numerous households and communities in Queens, New York, and the US, Congresswoman Grace Meng informed 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 US.

Establishing a federal vacation for Diwali, and the break day it will present, would permit households and buddies to have fun collectively, and exhibit that the federal government values the various cultural make-up of the nation, the Congresswoman stated.

“Diwali celebrations are an exquisite time right here in Queens, and annually it’s simple to see simply how essential today is to so many individuals. America’s power is derived from the various experiences, cultures and communities that make up this nation,” she stated.

“My Diwali Day Act is one step towards educating all Individuals on the significance of today, and celebrating the complete face of American range. I stay up for shepherding this invoice via Congress,” Meng stated.

Welcoming the transfer, New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar stated, “This 12 months, we noticed our whole state converse with one voice in assist of recognising Diwali and the South Asian neighborhood.”

“My extraordinary companion 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 Individuals who have fun Diwali, your authorities sees you and hears you,” she stated.

Applauding Meng for her continued work to extend the visibility of the Asian-American neighborhood, New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney stated naming Diwali a federal vacation not solely honours those that observe however highlights a cultural custom some Individuals don’t expertise frequently.

“Diwali is a particular vacation for thus many South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities,” stated 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 fun our holidays with their households in a manner that I used to be not in a position to rising up,” he stated.

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 material of the US and fostering larger understanding and appreciation for the wealthy South Asian diaspora,” stated Sim J Singh Attariwala, Senior Coverage and Advocacy Supervisor of The Sikh Coalition.

“At the moment is a milestone that demonstrates our visibility, our contributions, and the progress we’re making in the US with the Diwali Day Act,” stated Richard David, Board Member on the Indo-Caribbean Alliance.

Congratulation Congresswoman Meng, Coalition of Hindus of North America president Nikunj Trivedi stated this joyous pageant is widely known by tens of millions of Individuals and symbolizes the victory of fine over evil and of sunshine over darkness and brings collectively individuals from all backgrounds to cherish goodness, well-being, peace and prosperity – issues that everybody can worth and profit from.

“As Hindu Individuals, 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,” stated Ria Chakrabarty, Coverage Director for Hindus for Human Rights.

“It’s excessive time to recognise Diwali as a vacation in US public faculties,” stated Dr. Neeta Jain, founder and president of the Worldwide Ahimsa Basis.

“Our kids ought to be handled equally. As our kids have fun different cultures, others ought to have fun and study our tradition as nicely. That is the one manner we are able to educate youngsters to have mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual acceptance,” she stated.