New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-AD 38) and New York City Mayor Eric Adams yesterday declared victory in the fight to designate Diwali as a school holiday in New York City.
It was the final victory in a campaign spanning over two decades by the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community, a statement from her office said yesterday.
Assemblywoman Rajkumar whose parents immigrated from India said: “I was proud to lead and win the fight to make Diwali a School Holiday, alongside Mayor Eric Adams.
The Mayor and I said we would do it, and we did. I was proud to drive my Diwali legislation through Albany in just one session, securing a historic win for our community.
For over 2 decades, the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community has fought for this moment. Today we recognize hundreds of thousands of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain Americans across the City and let them know that they are seen and valued. Today, we proudly say that Diwali is an American holiday and that the South Asian community is part of the American story. To everyone who believed in the power of the possible—whether in the legislature, the streets of Queens, or all around the world, this victory is yours.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said: “I’m just really proud of Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.
I have a whole chapter in my book dedicated to you with this pursuit of this holiday: the hours it took seeing the vision. Placing her community on her back. Making sure she sits down at the table of power in one of the most powerful legislative bodies in the country. She brought the issues and concerns of her community.
There’s so much that’s on your shoulders and she lived up to it every day more than just this holiday pursuit but just making sure that those Indian Americans will have their voices heard…It meant so much to them and that is why this pursuit was extremely important. This is a victory not only for the men and women of the Indian community and all communities that celebrate Diwali, but it’s a victory for New York. We are now saying New York is for everyone: no matter where you came from once you arrive here you are a part of the New York family…This is called promises made, promises kept. Thank you. Great job, Assemblywoman. Well done.”
Joining the Assemblywoman and Mayor at yesterday’s press conference were dozens of members of the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community, as well as elected officials that had joined the Diwali holiday fight, the release said. People played the traditional Indian dhol drums. Assemblywoman Rajkumar and Mayor Adams were adorned with garlands in Indian tradition.
In October, Assemblywoman Rajkumar, Mayor Adams, and NYC Schools Chancellor Banks first announced their vision to establish the Diwali school holiday, in a press conference that quickly went viral as people around the world supported the emerging South Asian American community.
