The importance of Vedic charity

I'm not sure whether Hindus are aware of this, but one tactic used by anti-Hindus to smear our religion is the claim the Hinduism is against charity.  When I was younger I recall watching a missionary movie about Hinduism and they showed hoards of poverty stricken and sickly people, claiming that the Hindus of India had abandoned them.

Yes it is generally proclaimed by our detractors that Hindus believe that if a person has become ill or financially destitute they deserve this as it is their karma. But is being in need of help really a sin, and do the Vedas preach against helping members of the community who need us the most?

According the the Vedas, charity is one of the pillars of the earth, along with hard work, natural law (Rta), prayer and god. In fact, the Vedas say that it is those who do not engage in charity who are wicked and uncharitableness is associated with maligning others and thinking ill of others. It is said that the gods withhold favor from the rich who do not engage in charity.

The qualities of Truthfulness, confidence, and hard work (Tapas), combined with belief in Universal Order (Rta), God (Brahma), prayer and charity uphold the Earth. May this Earth, the product of our past, present and future, provide wide opportunities for us. - Atharva Veda 12.1.1

A wicked person who maligns others by his speech, thinks ill of others, refrains from charity, and indulges in deceit and trickery, hurts himself by his own such deeds. - Rig Veda 1.147.4

 God withholds his favors from the rich person who is Godless and who is not interested in giving charity. - Rig Veda.1.150.2

Rather, the gods give prosperity to those who are giving with their  money and it is taught that charity to the needy is a good way of worshiping god, and that charity is a privilege not available to non-believers. Their are prayers in the Vedas to change the hearts of misers and for great men not to become arrogant in their wealth, withholding it from others.

 Lord, Give power to his speech and grant him prosperity who serves you through his noble actions and charity. - Rig Veda 6.16.26

 Charity to the needy is a good way of worshipping the Lord. It is a blessing and a privelege which is not available to non-believers and those who indulge in sinful actions. Prayers and worship by sinners do not please God. Only those who stay away from sins and from denigrating others and make a pious gift to God are the ones who are able to please God. - Rig Veda 10.107.3

 Glorious Lord! Instigate the niggard to become generous and charitable; soften the heart of the miser. - Rig Veda  6.53.3

 O God! May I never bad-mouth the persons who are rich but charitable, who perform virtuous deeds, and who are elders and worthy of respect. May wealth not make me arrogant; may you grant me virtuous children; and may I never fail to be worshipful to you. - Rig Veda 2.27.17

Finally, the Vedas teach that the gods are disdainful of rich persons who do not give to the poor and needy and a rich man with stores of food who does not feed the beggar is abandoned and finds none to comfort him. It is said that the rich should satisfy the imploring poor because wealth can come and go for anyone.

God! You are disdainful of the lazy. You are disdainful of the rich person who does not help the poor and the needy. They both quickly perish. - Rig Veda 1.120.12

The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, Hardens his heart against him-even when of old he did him service-finds not one to comfort him. - Rig Veda 10.117.2

Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. Riches come now to one, now to another, and like the wheels of cars are ever rolling. - Rig Veda 10.117.10

As for the gods, the Vedas teach that they accept the small gifts from the poor and that indeed poverty stricken people are allowed to approach the sacrifice where the priest is doing his rituals. The gods of war arouse the poor as well as the rich, and we can see from the hymns to the gods that it is absolutely acceptable for poor people to pray for an end to their  troubles.

Agni, thou art a guard close to the pious man; kindled art thou, four-eyed! for him who is unarmcd. With fond heart thou acceptest e'en the poor man's prayer, when he hath brought his gift to gain security. - Rig Veda 1.131.13

Stirrer to action of the poor and lowly, of priest, of suppliant who sings his praises; Who, fair-faced, favours him who presses Soma with stones made ready, He, O men, is Indra. - Rig Veda 2.12.6

Ye, O Nasatyas, mount that early-harnessed Car, that travels early, laden with its freight of balm, Wherewith ye, Heroes, visit clans who sacrifice, even the poor man's worship where the priest attends. Rig Veda 10.41.2

Listen to me, O Asvins; I have cried to you. Give me-your aid as sire and mother aid their son. Poor, without kin or friend or ties of blood am I. Save me before it be too late, from this my curse. - Rig Veda 10.39.6

From these passages we can see that any suggestion that Hinduism is anti-charity is obviously false, and all one need do is see all the Hindu charity organizations which are helping to lift people out of poverty in India, they just happen to be more humble about their work than others.

CANCELLED: NYC Hindu Twitter Protest 12/16/2018

THE PROTEST HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE HELD IN DC


Vincent Bruno: 201-381-8727

Join the 

NYC Hindu Community 

To protest
Twitter's Anti-Hindu Activism

12/16/2018
Twitter NYC Office
249 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is under fire this week after he was caught holding a sign stating "Smash Brahminical Patriarchy!"

The general argument against Dorsey has been his endorsement of #Brahminphonia, fear mongering against a population who is in actuality a minority within India. But in reality this attack goes much deeper and is an attack on Hinduism itself. 

What Jack Dorsey likely knows, as the world knows, Varna (or what hinduphobes call "caste") is actually an inherent part of Hinduism, though it need not necessarily be abusive as our detractors always claim. Caste is integral to Hinduism as it appears in the very Samhita Vedas where it is stated that Brahmins are the head (intellect) of the essence with makes up society.

All religions develop some sort of caste system, with religious leaders and laity, and obviously outsiders are usually at least socially regulated if not legally. There are certainly certain kinds of religious patriarchy that are acceptable, such as Jewish and Muslim patriarchy.  Jack Dorsey and Twitter would obviously never stand with a sign that said "Smash Rabbi Patriarchy!" or "Smash Mullah Patriarchy!". There is only one priestly class on earth for whom it is socially acceptable (at least according to  Twitter) to antagonize and that is the Hindu priestly class.

However, Twitter was not alone in their hate propaganda, as the poster which the Twitter CEO so eagerly held in his hands was made by "Equality Labs", a NYC based anti-caste propaganda outfit. It becomes obviously clear from Equality Labs' mission statement that the group not simply against caste abuse (which is obviously an acceptable endeavor) but are indeed against the "structures of Hindu fundamentalism".  The word "fundamental", implies the basics or essence of something. A strict interpretation of the Quran would be "Muslim Fundamentalism", however few social justice warriors would ever dare to state they are against "Islamic Fundamentalism:

Evidence of this comes from the fact that "Equality Labs" is not made up of Hindus but "Dalits (formerly known as the “Untouchable” people), Adivasi (indigenous people of South Asia), Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Christian South Asians". Surprisingly enough, Equality labs states they are fighting caste oppression in Pakistan which is a "fundamental" Islamic State where non-Muslims are institutionally oppressed and discriminated against and the status of "dalit" (a term which does not appear in the oldest of Vedas) is enforced by the government and not the local Hindu population whom are victims of again institutionalized child kidnapping and sex trafficking with the compliance of Pakistan's Islamic courts.

It is time to expose Twitter and Equality Labs for what they are, Hinduphobic organizations. These groups are not against Zionism, or Sharia Law, or Rabbis or Christian Priests or anyone else, they target no other group besides Hinduism and Hindu Brahmins. I encourage all Hindus to do their part and let Jack Dorsey and #EqualityLabs know what they think about their anti-Hindu, anti-Brahminical hate mongering. 

The power of Vedic lore

I am writing this post for an acquaintance of mine who seems to be having some issue shaking off her past.  You see she was raised Jewish, but at a very young age she turned against her faith and began her journey toward "Aryanism". However, while she has become interested in paganism, she has not yet reached the stage of imbibing the Vedas, and I believe this has caused her some grief and heartache.  You see, she travels mostly in White pagan circles, and even though she has made many commitments to her new life, she is often unaccepted because of her Jewish heritage. 

Worse that this, my friend seems to negate herself, feeling as though she needs to be fixed in some way because of her "Jewish blood", she feels tainted as though a negative energy has followed her through her ancestry. As a person who comes from an intense minority myself (Jehovah's Witness), I can relate to many Jews when it comes to feeling that not only is their energy different, but some how dirty, and like Jews, other White pagans seems to notice this energy in me as well, in fact I am very often accused of being a Jew.

I have had to go through my own trials of trying to shake off the negative energy that follows me from my past.  In Hinduism we are taught that these kinds of sensations can be eliminated through prayer and ritual, however for a new comer who has little faith, these often feel hollow and ineffective or foreign.  But there is one form of cleansing devotion which is common to both White pagan traditions and Hinduism, and that is the listening of lore.

I am partially of Scandinavian heritage, and our Eddas (Scandinavian holy book) and sagas are very similar to Hinduism, though they tend to be a bit darker.  I remember once listening to a tale of witch who learned how to transform herself into a wolf by listening to troll lore.  While I am sure there are positive references to lore in European paganism, I have found that Hinduism is replete with the notion that to here lore can transform ones life.

It is likely that nearly every single Purana and tale in Hinduism is preceded by a statement as to how the hearing of this lore will benefit one's life, what kind of boon they will get, whether it is the negation of negative karma, the attraction of wealth, or the thwarting of diseases. Here are some of the positive effects of hearing lore according to the Vedas. 

Agni teaches lore even to the simple 

Thou, Agni gainest for the loudly-praising priest the highest wealth, the object of a man's desire. Thou art called Father, caring even for the weak, and wisest, to the simple one thou teachest lore. - Rig Veda 1.31.14

Agni teaches the lore of works to mortals, which convey laws and truth  

He is a wild thing of the flood and forest: he hath been laid upon the highest surface. He hath declared the lore of works to mortals, Agni the Wise, for he knows Law, the Truthful. - Rig Veda 1.141.5

To listen to lore makes one strong 

Eager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength confident, choiceworthy meet to be extolled: The Bhrgus' bounty, willing, strong with sages' lore, even Agni shining forth with light that comes from heaven. - Rig Veda 3.2.4

Lore is associated with wisdom and poetic skill 

To you hath been assigned the fairest ornament, the hymn of praise: Vajas and Rbhus, joy therein; For ye have lore and wisdom and poetic skill: as such, with this our prayer we call on you to come. - Rig Veda 4.36.7

Sacrificial lore helps the gods make one glorious 

Well-skilled in lore of sacrifice, ye Daughters of Heaven, refulgent Dawns, I thus address you. May we be glorious among the people. May Heaven vouchsafe us this, and Earth the Goddess, - Rig Veda 4.51.11

Lore gives heroes strength 

O'er all the region with their uniform advance these have spread out the lore that giveth heroes strength. - Rig Veda 5.48.2

Soldier pray to obtain the lore of the gods to be come manly and gain boons of prosperity 

Who, O ye Maruts, may attain the mighty lore of you the mighty, who may reach your manly deeds? Ye, verily, make earth tremble like a ray of light what time ye bring your boons to give prosperity, - Rig Veda 5.59.4

Out of lore beautiful songs are made 

After the lore of ancient time I make, like Kanva, beauteous songs, And Indra's selfgains strength thereby. - Rig Veda 8.6.11

Speaking lore purifies 

O Soma, Indu, thou while thou art purified urgest onward speech. Thousandfold, with the lore of hymns. - Rig Veda 9.64.25

Proclaiming holy lore brings on the birth of priests to the gods

The Rsis could not see Indra face to face; Vasistha saw him face to face; he said, 'Holy lore shall I proclaim to you so that people will be propagated with thee as Purohita; therefore do thou proclaim me to the other Rsis.' - Yajur Veda 3.5.2

Lore makes one bright and beautiful 

Sage: who know the lore of speech deck thee, the strong sustainer, well: Men make thee bright and beautiful. - Soma Veda 2.4.1.11.2

Lore is a fun and easy way to learn about the Vedas, Hinduism and the ways of the Arya.  Obviously the best place to start reading lore would be with the 18 Major Puranas (pdf here) which are conveniently broken up into many small tales each with their own narratives and moral lessons.  I hope my friend will take my advice as start reading the Puranas as I know they have done wonders in clearing out my energy and bringing me closer to the light and knowledge of Veda. 

Twitter and "Equality Labs" unite against Hinduism

 The Brahman was his mouth, of both his arms was the Kshatriya made. His thighs became the Vaisya, from his feet the Sudra was produced. - Rig Veda 10.90.12 

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey is under fire this week after he was caught holding a sign stating "Smash Brahminical Patriarchy!"

The general argument against Dorsey has been his endorsement of #Brahminphonia, fear mongering against a population who is in actuality a minority within India. But in reality this attack goes much deeper and is an attack on Hinduism itself. 

What Jack Dorsey likely knows, as the world knows, Varna (or what hinduphobes call "caste") is actually an inherent part of Hinduism, though it need not necessarily be abusive as our detractors always claim. Caste is integral to Hinduism as it appears in the very Samhita Vedas where it is stated that Brahmins are the head (intellect) of the essence with makes up society.

All religions develop some sort of caste system, with religious leaders and laity, and obviously outsiders are usually at least socially regulated if not legally. There are certainly certain kinds of religious patriarchy that are acceptable, such as Jewish and Muslim patriarchy.  Jack Dorsey and Twitter would obviously never stand with a sign that said "Smash Rabbi Patriarchy!" or "Smash Mullah Patriarchy!". There is only one priestly class on earth for whom it is socially acceptable (at least according to  Twitter) to antagonize and that is the Hindu priestly class.

However, Twitter was not alone in their hate propaganda, as the poster which the Twitter CEO so eagerly held in his hands was made by "Equality Labs", a NYC based anti-caste propaganda outfit. It becomes obviously clear from Equality Labs' mission statement that the group not simply against caste abuse (which is obviously an acceptable endeavor) but are indeed against the "structures of Hindu fundamentalism".  The word "fundamental", implies the basics or essence of something. A strict interpretation of the Quran would be "Muslim Fundamentalism", however few social justice warriors would ever dare to state they are against "Islamic Fundamentalism:

Evidence of this comes from the fact that "Equality Labs" is not made up of Hindus but "Dalits (formerly known as the “Untouchable” people), Adivasi (indigenous people of South Asia), Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Christian South Asians". Surprisingly enough, Equality labs states they are fighting caste oppression in Pakistan which is a "fundamental" Islamic State where non-Muslims are institutionally oppressed and discriminated against and the status of "dalit" (a term which does not appear in the oldest of Vedas) is enforced by the government and not the local Hindu population whom are victims of again institutionalized child kidnapping and sex trafficking with the compliance of Pakistan's Islamic courts.

It is time to expose Twitter and Equality Labs for what they are, Hinduphobic organizations. These groups are not against Zionism, or Sharia Law, or Rabbis or Christian Priests or anyone else, they target no other group besides Hinduism and Hindu Brahmins. I encourage all Hindus to do their part and let Jack Dorsey and #EqualityLabs know what they think about their anti-Hindu, anti-Brahminical hate mongering. 

NYC Hindus accuse HAF of co-opting the Diwali campaign for Leftism

NYC Hindus have been fighting for Diwali for a decade or more now.  It started out as individuals, but in 2012, dozens of NYC based Hindu organizations coalesced together to form the "Hindu Holidays Campaign", at first administrated by Sitangshu Guha of the "Bangladeshi Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council" and then later by Vincent Bruno of "Justice For Hindus". The Coalition is not only made up of several NYC based Hindu groups but also has the support of HAF's alternative, the American Hindu Coalition (AHC). Washington D.C. based Hindu lobby groups like the AHC and the Republican Hindu Coalition were build partially to thwart HAF's perceived left leaning agenda. 

Since 2014, HAF has been warmly invited to join the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign, but they never accepted.  Things began to cool further between the NYC Hindus and HAF when in 2015 the campaign staged a protest demonstration outside the Mayor's Office for the inclusion of both the Hindu Holidays of Diwali and Holi into the NYC public school system.  HAF was asked to attend both the protest and the press conference with proceeded the event.  The 2015 protesters were sure they would get HAF's support as HAF had joined a similar press conference the year before.

While a HAF member did come to the protest, she did not join the press conference as HAF had done previously, and even though many of the Hindus tried to invite HAF into the campaign, the HAF representative did not make good on any of the contacts they were given at the event.  HAF also did not respond to invitations to join the campaign's hard won meeting with the Mayor's office a few weeks later. HAF also did a write up on the Mayor's decision not to include Diwali in the NYC calendar, but never mention the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign or the protest which spurred their article, as if HAF were trying to negate us. This was offsetting enough, but what followed really put a rift between the thousands of Hindus who have joined the campaign and HAF.

It would seem that some time after the founding of the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign, another more interfaith campaign came into existence, the "Diwali Coalition".  Of course the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign takes no issue with other groups also working for Diwali, but still it seemed strange that HAF would snub our initial invitations and then partner with an entirely new coalition which is statedly interfaith rather than Hindu.  HAF is of course free to take whatever avenue they wish in the Diwali venture, however it did not go unnoticed that HAF never once informed any of the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign coordinators of the Diwali Coalition, we did not know about it because we were never invited, all 2 dozen or more Hindu organizations.

Worse still, many Hindus began accusing HAF of poaching NYC administration officials with whom the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign had made relationships with, as the campaign was informed by the Mayor's office that HAF had offered to take over the project without ever consulting the NYC Hindus who had worked so hard to build these relationships. But there is something much more sinister afoot as many Hindu have expressed, and that has everything to do with what kind of other organizations HAF has chosen to align with .

Many NYC Hindus are very well aware of Sadhana: The Coalition of Progressive Hindus. The NYC Hindu Campaign and Sadhana have been at odds with one another for some time.  First, Sadhana is viewed as racializing Hinduism to include only Indians, even though not all Hindus are ethnically Indian, and this is done in order to blur the lines between the Hindu and Muslim communities by cloaking their differences in race, fear mongering Hindus against supposed White racism whenever Americans (who are not all white) take issue with such things as Islamic Sharia Law.

Worse still, well respected Hindu scholar Rajiv Malhotra has warned Hindus against Sadhana, stating that it is a Leftist/Christian organization designed to digest and eventually eliminate Hinduism. In a facebook post (see here) Malhotra brings forth an article posted by Sadhana and gives the following analysis. 

Rajiv MalhotraAugust 23, 2017 · 
The following article by an ISKCON insider was recently sent to me: https://www.sadhana.org/blog-1/2017/8/18/im-an-ambiguous-hindu 

The author is a Catholic-Hindu pursuing his PhD in Hinduism. The article is couched in a veneer of love for Hinduism. It is a long zig-zag tour wanting to reinterpret Hinduism. It has some good points, as well as statements that are contestable, or even outright false. He bottom line is the following conclusion:
"You must not only discard the shastras, you must deny their authority, as did Buddha and Nanak. You must have courage to tell the Hindus that what is wrong with them is their religion - the religion which has produced in them this notion of the sacredness of caste. Will you show that courage?" 

He refers to himself as a proud White Hindu.
The group Sadhana calls itself "Progressive Hinduism" which it defines as Leftist Hindu reformation to remove social abuses. Its core message includes: 

- Support for Wendy Doniger type of scholars, who are seen as heroes criticizing Hinduism's abuses in order to reform it.
- Criticisms of Hindus who expose Islamic oppression - calling them Islamophobic.
- Criticisms of "Hindu right", Hindutva, Hindu "triumphalism", etc...

Yet all this is asserted under the umbrella of being the true Hindus. The leaders include many Hindu acharyas in the NY area, some Hindu academicians (Anantanand Rambachan), the Hindu Chaplain at USC (Varun Soni), and a variety of Christians claiming to speak FOR Hinduism. 

Prof John J. Thatamanil is one of their top scholars as advisor. He is an influential author on Hinduism - a Christian with former Harvard experience. I have studied his works as part of my book project on how "Panentheism" has been used to digest core Hindu ideas into Catholicism. The ideas which have been rejected by Christianity for many centuries are being brought into a NEW variety of Christianity (especially Catholicism) in order to compete against Hinduism where it is the strongest. I would enjoy an open and friendly discussion with him.

Here is what the NYC Hindu Holidays campaign wants the Hindu community to know, the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign did spring into existence before the Diwali Coalition, the NYC Hindu Holidays Campaign is a fully Hindu front, while the Diwali Coalition is an interfaith group.  There is nothing wrong with interfaith, but what many Hindus feel is that HAF has purposely snubbed and sidelined the NYC Hindu Campaign in order to put influence in the hands of so-called "progressive" Hindu groups like Sadhana. It should also be mentioned that HAF and the Diwali Coalition are not looking for holiday equity, meaning they are not pushing for two holidays such as Muslims, Jews and Christians have, HAF has shown no support for adding Holi to the NYC Hindu calendar, and perhaps that is because Holi is more purely Hindu and it not as useful for their "progressive" cause. Is this an attempt to hijack the Hindu narrative in American by hijacking Diwali? 

Rutgers Professor smears Hindutva with "Anti-Semitism"

Audrey Truschke is a professor of South Asian studies at Rutgers University, her area of expertise is the Mughal (Muslim rule) age in India. Truschke is a well known apologist for the Mughal era reign which saw countless genocides and pogroms against Hindus and the destruction of countless temples by Islamic purists. Audrey's asserts that modern day Hindutva seek to vilify the Mughals in order to advance their own nationalistic agenda for a Hindu state, which would resemble something close to a secular Vedic nationalism.

However, this week, Professor Truschke went beyond the pale of academic ethics and simple logic when she wrote an article for India Abroad entitled "Anti-Semitism of Hindu Nationalists" where she sought to link Hindutva with anti-Jewish sentiments. Her entire argument is based upon a few anti-semitic quotes made by some Hindu Nationalists and her own experience online receiving anti-Semitic tweets (even though Audrey is not Jewish). 

It was immediately obvious to not only Hindu Nationalists but the general Hindu community that Professor Truschke's assertion that Hindu Nationalism is in anyway anti-Semitic was not only absurd but a malicious smear campaign against not only Hindutva but also PM Modi, the RSS and the BJP all of which she mentions in her article. To sum it up, Truschke did nothing but obviously and brazenly single Hinduvta out among the religious nationalist movements of the world.

Truske's article is not only defensive of Jews but points to a growing intolerance in India against non-Hindus, implying that a Hindu state would be undesirable.  Truske seems to forget that Hindutva is not the only religious nationalist movement in the world, it's just the only one that is not acceptable.  Truschke is fully aware that Israel by its very definition is a "Jewish State" and that the treatment of and rhetoric against the Muslim Palestinians is certainly a point of international contention. She is also aware that there are close to 60 Islamic countries on earth, many of which have extremely persecutory laws against non-Muslims, however it is doubtful Truschke would argue negatively against Jewish or Islamic Nationalism, only Hindu Nationalism.

Than there is her accusation of anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is present everywhere in every country and in almost every political party.  There is not a single shred of evidence to support the idea that Hindutva is any more anti-Semitic than any other nationalist or even globalist movement alive today, and does Truske really believe she would experience any less anti-Semitism if she were dealing with the Muslim world? Don't we see both hardcore Leftists and Islamists making much more often more violent statements against Jews? Truske has turned a few personal attacks on her into a canard of anti-Jewish Hindutva.  This despite the fact that Hindu Nationalism has always historically had close ties and support for Zionism, not to mention Jews have lived in India unpersecuted for centuries. 

The treatment of Hindus of course under Mughal rule and under Islamic Pakistan and Bangladesh today is highly persecutory and institutionalized. Mughals mass murdered untold millions of Hindus, sex slaved countless more.  They taxed and enslaved them and shamed them and brutalized them. Today in Pakistan and Bangladesh Hindu girls are routinely kidnapped, raped, and married to a Muslims man, in Pakistan this "marriage" is almost always upheld by the Islamic courts. To cry anti-Semitism while negating one of the largest and most wicked genocidal regimes in history is quite frankly disgusting. 

Audrey has made it manifestly known in her writing and speeches that she believes modern Hindu Nationalists exaggerate the crimes of the Muslim Mughal rulers in order to bolster their own claim to a Hindu State today, but what she may be hiding is that her opposition is not against religious nationalism such as Zionism, but only Hindu nationalism, meaning it is Truschke who is anti-Hindu. Her most recent article was obviously a hit piece on Hinduism, the BJP and Modi whom will be up for reelection in 2019. 

NYC Diwali Press Conference: Senate bill introduced to make Diwali a school holiday

On November 4th, on behalf of the American Hindu Coalition and the Hindu Holidays Campaign, I joined the New American Voters Association (NAVA) & the Diwali Coalition for their press briefing outside the Divya Jyotish temple in Jamaica Queens, NY. The press conference was held to garner community support for the passage of Senate Bill S5304 and Assembly Bill A4331 which would establish Diwali as an official public holiday in New York. 

Diwali is a 5 day festival which begins on the 13th day of the Hindu month of Kartik and represents the triumph of light over dark and knowledge over ignorance. The festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama from his triumph over the king of Lanka, Ravanna. The celebration is marked by the lighting of candles along with general festivities and religious rituals. 

In 2007, the House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing the religious and historical significance of Diwali. The U.S. Postal Service also issued a Diwali commemorative stamp It should be noted that, In New York City, Diwali is a recognized holiday and every year alternate-side parking rules are suspended. In the New York City Council, Councilman Dromm introduced a resolution on July 24th, 2016 urging the Department of Education to approve the proposal to make Diwali an official school holiday. 

Among the speakers were State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assembly member David Weprin, Council members Donnavan Richard, Barry Grodenchick, Paul Vallone, Costa Constantinides, Democratic District leaders, Dr. Neeta Jain, and Richard David. 

Senator Leroy Comrie (Jamaica), “It is hard to overstate the many ways by which the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities contribute to our state,” said Senator Comrie. “I am proud to sponsor S.2401, which would fully declare Diwali a public holiday in New York State, a designation which is wholly deserved by our fellow New Yorkers who observe the holiday. I am fully committed to pushing for speedy passage of this bill in the coming legislative session. 

Assembly Member David I. Weprin (Hollis), "I'm happy to be a co-prime sponsor of the legislation to recognize Diwali as a public school holiday in the assembly, said Assemblyman David Weprin. I'm going to continue to fight to get the NYC Department of Education to recognize Diwali so no student will have to choose between celebrating with their family or their school obligations. 

Council Member Costa Constantinides,(Astoria), I want to wish good health to my Hindu brothers and sisters here in Queens — as well as around the world — as they celebrate Diwali this week,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides, District 22. “This is a time to reflect, pray for prosperity in the year to come, and come together with one’s family. It should also remind us to respect all religions equally. I fully support making Diwali a New York City school holiday to ensure all children who celebrate the fesrival of lights do not have to choose between their religious observance and missing a day of school 

Council Member Paul Vallone (Bayside), Wishing a very happy Diwali to all those who celebrate the holiday! May the festival of lights brighten your lives with peace, prosperity, health and happiness. Celebrating the light outshining the darkness during these troubling times is of the utmost importance. As one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the city's Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities, I will fight to have the City give the holiday its proper recognition by establishing it as an official school holiday! Today's rally organized by the New American Voters Association shows the support the movement has and by standing together, we will achieve this goal!" 

Council Member Barry Grodenchik(Bellerose), "It is long past time that Diwali be recognized as an official New York City public school holiday. The 300,000 New Yorkers who celebrate Diwali should be able to celebrate it with their entire families without being forced to forgo sending their children to school." 

Democratic District Leader Richard David, Hinduism is global from the Caribbean to South Asia, and Diwali is among the most important holidays in this religion. Right here in New York City, with a large Hindu population, it’s time to recognize Diwali as a public school holiday. We must work together now to bring communities like these out of the shadows, increase tolerance and promote fairness.