NYC Mayor's Office gives Hindus a plan to get Hindu Holidays in schools

Contact Vincent Bruno

vincent.bruno.1229@gmail.com

On Friday Sept 28th I met with the NYC Mayor's Community Affairs office to discuss the ongoing "Hindu Holidays Campaign" which seeks to institute Diwali and Holi as public school holidays in NYC which is home to nearly .5 million Hindus. The office has suggested a two and a half year plan which would hopefully result in either Mayor De Blasio instituting Hindu holidays in the school calendar before he leaves office, or making Hindu holidays an election issue for the next mayoral race. 

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The Plan:

• Leadership: the campaign needs defined and regular leadership who will be the main lead for the project. That is me, Vincent Bruno.
• Targeting Neighborhoods: the campaign needs to target the elected officials in neighborhoods in NYC where Hindus make up a large percentage of the voting population, such as Richmond Hill, Murry Hill, Jackson Heights and Flushing.
• Coalition Building: we need to get as many Hindu and interfaith organizations as possible to sign onto our coalition and establish a regular meeting for the project
• Campaign Materials: the campaign needs to produce a website, brochures, emails, pins and other campaign materials to be distributed to local officials, schools and the community.
• Statistics: the campaign needs to set up a survey which can be filled out by Hindu community members detailing how many Hindus celebrate Diwali/Holi and are requesting the day off.
• City/State Solution: the campaign needs to work with both NYC and NY State on this issue. We need Albany to extend the school year by two days to fit the Holi/Diwali holidays into the school calendar and the NYC Department of Education must also promote the initiative
• Support of the Elected: We need to contact city and state senators, assembly persons and those on city council to gain their support for the campaign. 

Currently the following organizations are supporting the campaign, please contact me to add your organization's name: 

Federation of Hindu Mandirs, Hindu Learning Foundation, Indian American Intellectuals Forum, Hindu Students Association International, Justice For Hindus, Bangladeshi Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council; VidyaDham Panchatatva Gitapith; Vedic American Foundation Inc.; Jamaica Hindu Community, The American India Public Affairs Committee, American Hindu Coalition 

The Hindu Holidays Campaign will now begin to put the Mayor's office's plan into effect. We must create emailers which can be sent to district officials and school boards as well as Albany and the Department of Education. We must contact other religious leaders and organizations to support us in this project, and we must mobilize the Hindu community to provide the data needed to show we are needing of these school holidays. Individual Hindus and organizations who would like to support the campaign please contact me and please make me aware of any progress you have made on this issue under your own auspices.  Let's work on this 2.5 year plan and get Diwali/Holi into our public schools. 

WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR

NYC Hindus Get Quarterly Meeting With Mayor's Office

17 Aug 2017 &  25 Aug 2017- NYC Hindus had a second and 3rd meeting with the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit, assisted by Mr. Marco A. Carrion, Nick Gulotta and a city education official and were able to establish a quarterly meeting with the office to discuss Hindu affairs in NYC. - SEE MORE

NYC Hindus Outside White House

11 Dec 2016 - Close to 100 NYC Hindus gathered outside the White House to request that the federal administration take measures to further include the American Hindu presence in school and civic activities, such as consulting the community on Diwali and Holi education. - SEE MORE

NYC Hindus At Comptroller's Diwali Party

2 Nov 2016 - NYC Hindus bring the Hindu Holidays Campaign to Comptroller Scott Stringer’s Diwali party at City Hall. We spoke with both the Comptroller and Assembly woman Neeta Jain on further engaging the NYC Hindu community on such issues as facilitating awareness on Hindu holidays with city law makers. - SEE MORE

NYC Hindus At Mayor's Diwali Party

October 2016 - NYC Hindu Coalition members attended the Mayor's first annual Diwali party at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan.  We distributed information cards to the public and city administrators on the subjects of Diwali and Holi. - SEE MORE

NYC Hindus At Hindu Unity Day

Sunday 08/30/15 (Queens, New York) Hindu Unity Day was put on by the Indian American Intellectuals Forum (IAIF). IAIF is one of the member groups of the NYC Hindu Coaltion. At the event a table was set up for the Hindu Holidays Campaign and hundreds of signatures were collected to request more city recognition of Hindu holidays and better education for schools and administrators on the Hindu religion. - SEE MORE

NYC Hindus 1st Meeting With Mayor's Office

Friday, 04/24/15 - A delegation of different Hindu Organizations met with the NYC Mayor's Office Community Affairs Unit Mr. Marco A. Carrion. Mr. Carrion was assisted by Ms. Halen Ho, Director of the Queens Community Affairs Unit. The delegation handed over a few documents supporting more acknowledgement of Hindu Holidays in NYC schools

NYC Hindus Demonstrate Outside City Hall

Friday, 04/10/15 - More than two dozen Hindu organizations and nearly 200 Hindus demonstrated outside City Hall for better inclusion of Hindu holiday education in NYC public schools. The event made it to NY1 News and was covered by the Times of Guyana. - SEE MORE

Where I was the night Modi won!

Written in 2014

Narendra Modi has won the seat of India’s Prime Minister with a landslide victory and his BJP Party has taken a solid majority in the parliament.  The occasion was celebrated all over India with huge festivities that rivaled some of Hinduism’s highest holidays.  India’s victory party was joined by Hindus all over the world; from South America to Europe to Africa and Australia, Hindus stayed up all night watching the election unfold and celebrating their joy with fervor and intensity.  I personally attended an election party in NYC and it was one of the best nights of my life.

My evening started in Jersey City, I took the train to Newark and met a new friend of mine from India, we had connected over social media only a few short months ago, but our mutual passion for Hinduism has made us like brothers from the start. We took the Path train to Jersey City where we met with some of our other friends at their apartment for dinner.  While they whipped up some divine Indian dish we watched the early morning TV programs coming out of India.  I was surprised to find that many of the major stations were presenting in English, so it became much easier to understand what was going on.  While we sat and ate our food we listened to some very lively broadcasters present the ongoing situation.  I was both shocked and pleased by the candor of Indian television, unlike American news the entire program seemed rather unscripted, lacking almost any staged feeling at all.  I was particularly shocked by the voraciousness and tenacity of the news anchors as they interviewed appearing members from the ruling INC, such bold condemnation of politicians to their face and verbal brawls as I witnessed are unheard of in the American mainstream media. Honestly I found India’s news media to be much more informative, real and entertaining than anything we currently have in the West.

After dinner we took the Path train to Time Square NYC where the election was being covered live by a panel.  It was around 10pm or so when election results began to come in which the moderately sized crowd watched on a large screen.  It became very obvious right from the start that Modi and the BJP were going to have a significant victory, but just how significant we were yet to learn.  As the video cameras turned to the crowd everyone grasped together and began to chant NAMO, NAMO, NAMO… it was fun and lighthearted patriotism void of that feeling of chauvinism so common in other Nationalistic movements. TV Asia took an interview from our Mumbai friend who was wearing a “Namo for PM” t-shirt, the same shirt he was wearing when I met him only a few weeks ago at another BJP event in New Jersey.

While the election coverage in Time Square was well attended, it was hard to stay interested in the event because there was no sound of the election coverage, just the visuals up on the big screen.  The friends who had brought me began to talk with some of the other people gathered in the crowd, I had been told that “Indians love to socialize” and the truth of this statement became very apparent as all of these strangers seemed to quickly become friends.  In a flash we were all invited to continue watching the election coverage at the facilities of The Art of Living Foundation, a yoga and meditation center.  As we walked to the center which was only a few blocks away I discussed with my friends the observation that I and other converts have made; Hindus in general tend to be very open and trusting people, lacking the social masks and disguises so ingrained into the unspoken protocols of other cultures. You can pretty much tell who a person is right away, yet you know there is so much more you can learn about them.

We arrived at a very beautiful center with large wooden floor rooms.  Our hosts brought out “Back Jacks” for us to use, they are basically chairs without any legs, it was really great because they allowed us to sit on the floor Indian style but at the same time we had the support of a chair back and could recline, it was the perfect fusion of East and West.  Someone connected the large screen TV to their computer and we turned back to the election coverage. In the short period of time it had taken us to get from Time Square to the center, Modi’s numbers had soared far above any of the other candidates and his BJP party had already gained more than 100 seats in the parliament.  As the night went on the group was constantly cheering as nearly every minute Modi and the BJP had gained another point or seat in the parliament.  But then the golden moment came, Modi’s BJP party had alliances and they were sure that with their coalition they would be able to take the majority of the parliament with 273+ seats, little did we know that the BJP would achieve the 273+ mark on its own, achieving a one party majority with an even larger coalition of aligned parties.  When the BJP number hit 273, the group went crazy!  I was able to catch their enthusiasm on my iPhone.

At the end of the evening we were served samosas and chai tea and finally stood for a group picture.  Even though I was the only person there who was not of South Asian ancestry, no one made me feel unwelcome or out of place, they allowed me to celebrate and be just as happy as everyone else.  That is because Modi’s achievement is not just an achievement for India, but for Hindus everywhere.  Unlike the nationalism of other nations, Hinduism is not based in race or language, it is based in a spirituality and ideals which transcend all borders and differences between people, Hindus are more than happy to share their light with the entire world.

We finally closed the night at another friend’s home where with their large family we watched the exuberant displays of joy that had erupted all over India, as well as the shock and utter disbelief of the rival Congress officials. All at once it seemed that the last shackles of imperialism and colonialism had been broken, the British contrived Congress party with all its divide and rule politics had been wiped out, the corrupt Gandhi Dynasty had been broken and the people had given the Hindu leadership a clear mandate to rule.  Almost no one slept that night and festivities continued all throughout the weekend.  Something has changed, everyone feels it, there is something about this victory that is going to shift the entire dynamic of the world.  Hindus are uniting, our enemies are on the run, we need to take this opportunity to gather our strength and prepare for the battle that is ahead, but whatever may come we all know that Dhrama will prevail and Modi’s victory has given us our much needed hope.  But most important of all, with India now under strong and good leadership we are certain we will begin to see Justice For Hindus.

When I did Modi Yagna

On Sunday, April 27th, 2014, the organization "Overseas Friends of the BJP" held a Shiv Maha Yagna to pray for the successful election of then BJP candidate Narendra Modi as Prime Minister of India, and I was very grateful to be in attendance. At the time I was new to Hindu politics so I believe this was one of my first Hindu political events. It was so different from anything else I've ever experienced before, it was the most spiritual political event ever. 

11:00AM

Arrival At Birchwood Manor, Whippany, NJ 

The event was held at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany New Jersey and no better grounds could have been chosen for this very special occasion.  The entrance to the grounds was guarded by a lion and as one walked toward the ceremony site they were met by several romantic era idols representing Greek and Roman gods, Pan being the most noticeable of them all.  I believe I have detected a pattern with the Hindus, they do seem to go out of their way to find hotels with mythological themes to hold their events. 

But one could not help but feel as though the gods of the West were conspiring with their long lost brothers and sisters in the East to make the occasion a success and further usher in the era of American Hinduism. Modi's election was really the start of the growth in real world American Hindu politics which has literally seen its first real bloom in the past five years. It wasn't just that Modi was a big man, but he was going to be in charge of a big country, India, and he had a big spiritual power at his back, Hinduism... and that meant something to the world.

Approaching The Ceremony Grounds

As one approached the ceremony ground the gray Western god statues gave way to colorful Hindu god flags which waved and fluttered in the wind. Even Kali was there holding her many severed heads. Usually in the West such overt imagery of god if used at a political rally would be frowned upon, but finally religion and politics were integrated sanely and safely, this did not have the feel of a theocracy. Still, it didn't quite feel like a political event or a religious event, or a party, it was it's own special energy.

The Yagna

The yagna was a medium sized flower shaped brick fire pit where a small fire was lit accompanied by the singing of hymns and the sacrificing of foods and spices into the fire pit. There was some Indian and Western media there to take video and speak with the attendants. Afterward we had lunch and all mingled.

If you do happen to be in a state with a large Hindu population such as New York, New Jersey, California, Texas or Florida, you should definitely look up the Overseas Friends of the BJP (OFBJP).  They hold many events every year and they are great places to meet elected officials from both the United States and India.  I am sure the OFBJP will be very active in the upcoming India elections in 2019.  As it looks I'll be supporting Modi and the OFBJP again.

Vishnu 

Ezidi/Assyrian "STOP ISIS" Protest Outside UN

03/27/15 - I joined with the Ezidi and Assyrian community outside the United Nations to demonstrate against the ongoing crimes against humanity being enacted upon Middle East non-Muslim minority communities.  The main message of the demonstrators was to return kidnapped minority girls who have become sex slaves under the Islamic State and for the West/UN/India to create a "Safe Haven" in the Nineveh Plains where non-Muslims can live and protect themselves from Islamist forces (that includes more than just ISIS). The Ezidi demonstrators had a special message for the world and especially Hindus... "Do Not Trust Or Legitimize Kurdistan". 

Protest Video
"Stop ISIS Now"
"Safe Haven Now"
"UN Action Now"

 There were several signs protesting the duplicitous nature of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), a nation which is 70% Sunni Muslim. We took four video interviews with Ezidis whos message to Hindus and India was to help and establish the "safe haven" for non-Muslims and avoid diplomatic and military relations with the KRG.  The Ezidis interviewed revealed that the KRG had not only abandoned the Ezidis when ISIS began attacking their settlements, but that in many cases elements of the KRG had aided and abetted ISIS due to the region's "pan-Islamist" undertones.   

They made it clear that in no uncertain terms, the Ezidis have been kidnapped by the KRG and now live under threat to support the Islamist leaning regional government against their wills. Hindus would do well to heed their warning and put their efforts into supporting an Ezidi autonomous zone over Kurdistan. Please see my video interviews and pictures below.

Interviews With Ezidis
Hindus Should Not Support Kurdistan
KRG = Kurdistan Regional Government

PICTURES

"Free Balochistan Movement" at U.N 2016 and 2018

In 2016 and 2018 I joined the "Free Bolochistan Movement" outside the United Nations to protest the crimes against humanity being enacted upon the Baloch people by the Islamic State of Pakistan.  The Baloch people are seeking their own nationhood so they may create a liberal secular democracy. Pictures, interview video and the Baloch statement to the U.N are below. 

INTERVIEW VIDEO

2017

Statement of the 
Free Balochistan Movement

9.24.2018

Baloch Nation:

The Unrepresented Nation in the UN

Founders of the United Nations set up this much needed institution to be the assembly of nations. The irony, however, is from the time of its formation to the present day many nations, which are colonized, are denied their rightful place in the United Nations. One nation, among these nations, that is not present in the seventy first session of the UN General Assembly is the Baloch nation.

Pakistan forcibly occupied the sovereign state of Balochistan in 1948. This period is the worst period in Baloch recorded history. The Punjabi Muslim army and ruler of Pakistan has unceasingly been killing the most conscientious and secular members of Baloch society. Since 1948 they have carried out five major military operations in Balochistan, using indiscriminate and disproportional force against the Baloch people, including use of fighter jets and heavy weapons against them.

Balochistan is rich in natural resources and is situated in one of the most strategic locations in the world. Baloch are secular, open-minded, hospitable and dependable people. However, the Punjabi jihadist army of Pakistan and their proxy groups have turned and deformed Balochistan into one of the most destitute and devastated regions in the world.

Baloch have never accepted the illegal occupation of their homeland by Pakistan. Therefore, the Baloch national liberation struggle is not Pakistan's internal matter. As Balochistan has never been a part of Pakistan. Moreover, Baloch nation, unlike the artificial state of Pakistan, is a historical nation.

In contrast, Pakistan is a hollow term. It does not designate a nation. It was a part of India. However, in the name of Islam it was separated from India in August 1947. A month later Pakistan, on 30 September 1947, became a member state of the UN. Eight months after its creation Pakistan violated clause 4 of article 2 of the United Nations charter. It illegally occupied and annexed the

sovereign state of Balochistan.

The clause 4 of article 2 of the charter reads that "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations."

Pakistan's aggression against the Baloch state in 1948 was a clear violation of this article. To sustain their illegal occupation and exploitation of Balochistan resources, the Pakistan army has consistently relied on brute force and Islamic fundamentalism. As a result of this heavy-handed colonial policy, thousands of Baloch have been arrested, tortured, killed and displaced.

Since the year 2000 Pakistani forces have killed around 5,000 Baloch activists. Many of these individuals were the victims of Pakistan's notorious 'kill and dump' policy. More than 20,000 Baloch people are still missing.

The UN have intervened to save the people of Kosovo, East Timor and South Sudan from similar military aggression. Yet, the UN continues to remain silent on the Pakistani state's illegal occupation of Balochistan. The UN should hold Pakistan accountable for their crimes in Balochistan. The state of Pakistan and its army should be brought to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC) for their crimes against humanity in Balochistan.

We appeal to the UN to stop turning a blind eye to Pakistani state atrocities against the Baloch and Baloch undeniable right to independence. Balochistan is suffering under the occupation of the theocratic state of Pakistan. The UN should take notice of the enforced-disappearances, extrajudicial killings and the Pakistan army's indiscriminate bombardment of Baloch civilian population.

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