New York City Mayor Eric Adams, addressing the annual Diwali celebration at Gracie Mansion, emphasized the profound symbolism of Diwali, which encourages us to banish darkness and welcome light. He called upon people to embody the spirit of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Mahatma Gandhi to become better individuals and make a collective effort to dispel the darkness engulfing the world, which has tragically claimed innocent lives.
Adams stressed that Diwali is more than just a holiday; it serves as a poignant reminder to confront darkness wherever it manifests and replace it with light, symbolized by the Festival of Lights. The event drew a diverse crowd, including prominent members of the Indian-American and South Asian community, along with individuals from various backgrounds and government officials. Adams underscored that Diwali is not just about lighting a candle but illuminating our lives.
In the face of prevailing global darkness and the loss of innocent lives, Adams implored everyone to follow in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi. He urged people to be more than mere worshippers and become practitioners who actively contribute to a brighter world. He advocated for an active commitment to the ideals of Diwali, Gandhi, Sita, and Lord Ram to fulfill the true essence of this holiday.
New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who played a crucial role in establishing Diwali as a school holiday in the city, acknowledged the growing influence of the Indian-American community. She highlighted the opportunity for the community to lead the way to peace, drawing inspiration from figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who was profoundly influenced by Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence and tolerance. Rajkumar emphasized the Hindu tradition of not merely tolerating differences but actively loving those who are different.
Mayor Adams announced the official recognition of Diwali as a school holiday in New York City, a significant development supported by Rajkumar. She commended Adams for his leadership in addressing the issues of poverty, hatred, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and indifference, likening him to the “Ram of New York City” for his unwavering commitment to confronting these societal challenges. Rajkumar expressed gratitude to Adams for his support, affectionately referring to him as the “Hindu mayor” in recognition of his positive impact on the community.
