Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner in the Mayor’s office of New York City, praised the city on Saturday for announcing Diwali as the first-ever public school holiday, according to ANI. In June, Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, declared Diwali a holiday.
Chauhan stated on Saturday that the Indian diaspora and the Indian-American community’s years of ardent activism had led to the decision. He continued by saying that the Indian diaspora put in a lot of effort to make this endeavor a success.
“This year Diwali is so significant, first time in the history of New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has declared Diwali as a public holiday in the school of New York City, after years of advocacy…Indian diaspora, Indian-American community…they have worked hard for this initiative,” Chauhan mentioned in conversation with ANI.
He continued: “On Diwali, our children don’t need to go to school, they can spend time at home with their family and visit religious places and celebrate with the community.”
“I wish everyone a happy and joyous Diwali. Diwali means the festival of light over darkness,” he added.
Every year, thousands of people in New York celebrate Diwali to mark the triumph of light over darkness. According to ANI, state legislators passed legislation declaring June as a vacation in the largest school system in the United States, prompting the June announcement.
Adams referred to the event as a huge victory for the neighborhood family. “I’m so proud to have stood with Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar and community leaders in the fight to make Diwali a school holiday. I know it’s a little early in the year, but: Shubh Diwali!.” the Mayor tweeted.
