Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday signed laws that makes Diwali a college vacation for New York Metropolis public faculties.
Laws S.7574/A.7769 requires that every one public faculties in New York Metropolis be closed on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar in annually, which is named Diwali.
“New York Metropolis is wealthy in several religions and cultures, and we’re taking an essential step to acknowledge and have a good time this variety within the faculty calendar,” Gov. Hochul mentioned. “This laws to designate Diwali as a New York Metropolis faculty vacation is a chance for our youngsters to study and have a good time traditions from the world over.”
Laws S.7574/A.7769 amends the training legislation to declare Diwali a vacation for New York Metropolis public faculties.
Many individuals of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths in New York Metropolis and all through the state observe the competition of Diwali, and greater than 1 billion folks all over the world have a good time this vacation.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo mentioned, “I really respect Gov. Hochul’sapproval to acknowledge Diwali as a college vacation. I additionally commend my pal, Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar for her initiative on passing this laws within the Meeting and dealing my legislative crew in passing my invoice within the Senate.
“Diwali is a joyous event that holds immense significance for thousands and thousands of individuals all over the world and in our state,” he added. “As we come collectively to commemorate this competition, we’re reminded of the Diwali vacation’s message – the triumph of sunshine over darkness, information over ignorance, and good over evil.
“On this time of native and world racism and anger, Diwali’s message is critically essential and wanted. The Diwali celebration not solely represents the wealthy cultural heritage of our various group, but additionally serves as a reminder of the values that bind us collectively. It reminds us of the significance of compassion, kindness, and understanding in our interactions with each other,” Addabbo continued. “Might this Diwali deliver you and your family members an abundance of pleasure, prosperity, and good well being.
“Allow us to try to embrace the spirit of Diwali not solely throughout this festive season but additionally in our each day lives, by spreading love, gentle, and happiness to these round us,” he mentioned. “As soon as once more, thanks Gov. Hochul for spreading the constructive message of Diwali.”
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar mentioned, “I used to be proud to guide and win the combat for the Diwali Faculty Vacation this 12 months. Immediately, my historic Diwali invoice is formally signed into legislation.
“As the primary Indian-American and first Hindu elected to New York State Workplace, I thank Gov. Hochul for signing my momentous invoice,” she mentioned. “For over 20 years, the South Asian group has lobbied for the Diwali vacation. With the signing of my invoice, we have now lit an eternal lamp within the hearts and minds of all New Yorkers.
“That is an achievement that can outlive me,” she added. “Generations of New Yorkers to come back will now observe Diwali, the Pageant of Lights. By signing my invoice, we are saying to over 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist New Yorkers, ‘We see you, we acknowledge you, and Diwali is an American vacation.’”
New American Voter Affiliation President Dr. Dilip Nath mentioned, “It’s exhausting to overstate the numerous methods by which the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities contribute to our state. I’m proud to see Gov. Kath Hochul lastly fulfilling a gone Diwali recognition vacation right into a legislation. On the day of the Diwali so no scholar should select between celebrating with their household or their faculty obligations.”
Indian Diaspora Council Worldwide President Ashook Ramsaran mentioned, “The Indian Diaspora Council Worldwide commends NYS Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Legislature for approving Diwali as an NYC faculty vacation, together with steadfast help from NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
“It is a vital achievement following many years of grassroots efforts in New York,” he added. “IDC is happy that Diwali has change into a nationwide celebration within the White Home, a number of state homes and metropolis councils. Diwali is the ‘triumph of sunshine over darkness, of fine over evil’ and its classes are extra related as turmoil, inhumanity and divisiveness impression many individuals worldwide.”
Khalsa Group President Japneet Singh mentioned, “It is a very special day for the whole South Asian diaspora. For the Sikhs, Diwali signifies Liberation. It was the day on which our sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind was launched from jail. However not simply by himself, he advocated for the discharge of 52 Hindu Kings who have been wrongfully imprisoned as properly.
“Therefore, for Sikhs this competition of Diwali signifies Bandi Chhor Divas or ‘prisoner launch day,’” he added. “We use this present day to honor and keep in mind all those that proceed to face oppression and recommit to standing up for justice any and in every single place. And with the signing of this historic invoice by the governor, it should assist the communities that commemorate Diwali to lastly educate their pals and friends on the importance it holds for us. Rising up attending NYC public faculties, I at all times was conflicted of selecting my training or my religion. However now the following normal of South Asians may have the chance to decide on each and that’s a really particular factor for us all.”
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad New York President Bhajan Sarker mentioned, “That is thrilling information for Hindu Group throughout New York and we thank Gov. Kathy Hochul for signing the Diwali Invoice. The 300k New Yorkers who have a good time Diwali at the moment are in a position to have a good time it with their whole households with out being compelled to forgo sending their kids to high school.”
Nepali Group Chief and Govt Member of the Hami Nepali NabarajKC mentioned, “On behalf of the Nepali Group we’re profoundly grateful to our beloved Gov. Kathy Hochul for recognizing the Hindu group and Diwali competition of lights.
