New Delhi: With an overwhelming population of Indians presently in the US, lawmaker Carolyn Maloney will introduce a bill in the Congress aiming to make Diwali a federal holiday in the United States. The Democrat Congress leader from New York on Wednesday will be accompanied by members of the India Caucus including Congressman Ro Khanna, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and other advocates to introduce the legislation at the Hill, according to news agency ANI.
On behalf of the Indian American community members, Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director, Indiaspora will also join Maloney in supporting the bill. Joshipura has remained a long supporter of the Indian diaspora.
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What happens on approval of the bill?
Upon the approval of the bill, the Diwali holiday would be observed in federal institutions as significant populations celebrate Diwali to honour the cultural heritage of millions of Indian Americans.
In the past, Maloney has successfully worked with advocates across the country and led efforts in Congress urging the US Postal Service to approve and issue a commemorative stamp honouring Diwali, which has been in circulation since 2016. Maloney had championed this cause as she felt that "a relatively small action would hold great meaning for millions of people."
Several White House officials and US lawmakers celebrated Diwali last week with the Indian expats in Capitol Hill. "There has been a lot of darkness in the last 1.5 years. To be able to celebrate and talk about the meaning of Diwali, it's incredibly important," said Vice Admiral Surgeon Gen Vivek Murthy.
The annual reception was hosted by Indiaspora that also honoured some of the top Indian Americans in the Biden administration including Vice Admiral Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Neera Tanden, Senior Advisor and Staff Secretary to President Joe Biden.
Diwali will be celebrated on November 4 this year.