New Delhi: Broward County in Florida declared the month of November as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Hindu community in the county.
This comes just weeks after the US state of Georgia officially declared October as the "Hindu Heritage Month" to acknowledge the contributions of the vibrant Hindu-American community in the state.
A resolution adopted by Broward County also acknowledged the various contributions of the Hindu religion, including Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more, and its impact on various American people, leaders, and intellectuals.
The resolution was shared by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
“Hinduism is one the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems. also known as ‘Sanatana Dharma’, with core values of acceptance, mutual respect, freedom and peace,” the resolution by the School Board of Broward County, Florida stated.
According to the resolution, the people from the Hindu community have contributed majorly to diverse sectors such as information technology, medicine, science and engineering, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade and more. “Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions,” the resolution added.
The resolution further stated that the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta and its ideals have inspired many American intellectuals and leaders such as President John Adams, Martin Luther King Jr., Henry David Thoreau, and John D. Rockefeller.
“Hindu philosophy of Vedanta and ideals such as Seva (selfless service), Ahimsa (non-injury or non-violence) etc have inspired many American intellectuals and leaders such as President John Adams, and Martin Luther King. Jr., Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Walt Whitman. J.D. Salinger. Aldous Huxley, Christopher Isherwood, Huston Smith, John D. Rockefeller and numerous others,” it read further.
“Diwali is one of the most important and ancient holidays celebrated by over 1 billion Hindus and people of different cultures and religions across the world and has been in existence for more than 5,000 years,” the resolution added.
It added that there are over 50,000-plus people in Broward County, Florida and millions of Americans, who observe Diwali every year as a time for Dana (giving) and Seva (service) towards fellow human beings. “Diwali falls on the fifteenth day or the eighth month or the New Moon Day in the month of Kartika of the Vedic lunar calendar, which occurs during October or November, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil end of knowledge over ignorance, and is a time of peace, joy and new beginnings, where people of all ages, especially young children. light oil lamps (diyas, paintings Rangolis (sacred artistic designs), burst fireworks and distribute sweets,” the resolution added.
“The School Hoard or Broward County, Florida declares November as Hindu Heritage Month to recognize and celebrate the important and valuable contributions of the Hindu community in Broward County," it stated further.
