US: New York Deputy Commissioner praises Indian diaspora on Diwali eve

Dilip Chauhan, the Deputy Commissioner in the Mayor’s office of New York City, praised the historic move that marked the first-ever Diwali celebration as a public school holiday.

Chauhan emphasised the importance of this ruling, crediting the Indian-American community and the diaspora for years of ardent advocacy.

“Diwali means the festival of light over darkness,” according to Chauhan, who also noted that the Indian diaspora has worked incredibly hard to make this initiative successful.

“After years of advocacy…the Indian diaspora, the Indian-American community…they have worked hard for this initiative,” he said, “this year Diwali is so significant. For the first time in the history of New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has declared Diwali as a public holiday in the schools of New York City.”

“Our kids don’t have to go to school on Diwali; instead, they can stay home with their families, visit places of worship, and participate in community celebrations.”

New York Mayor Eric Adams declared earlier in June that the festival of lights, Diwali, will be observed as a school holiday in New York City.

Diwali is a holiday celebrated by thousands of New Yorkers annually to mark the triumph of light over darkness. The announcement was made after state legislators passed legislation making it a holiday in the nation’s largest school system.

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The occasion was hailed by Mayor Eric Adams as a huge victory for the neighbourhood families.“I am extremely proud to have fought alongside community leaders and Assemblymember Jennifer Rajkumar to have Diwali observed as a school holiday. Shubh Diwali! I know it’s a little early in the year,” the Mayor tweeted.

“It’s such a pleasure to be involved in this project. I’m wishing everyone a happy and joyous Diwali once more. “The festival of light over darkness is known as Diwali,” the Deputy Commissioner continued.

(With agency inputs)