HAF Welcomes Diwali Day Proclamations in Harris County and Bellaire, TX
Houston, TX (November 4, 2010) - The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) welcomed Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and City of Bellaire Mayor Cynthia Siegel’s proclamations designating November 5, 2010, the actual day of observance of Diwali this year, as Diwali Day throughout Harris County, TX and Bellaire, TX respectively. The official proclamations (pictured below) shared Judge Emmett and Mayor Siegel’s greetings to over one billion Hindu, Sikh and Jain celebrants of Diwali worldwide and provided the citizens of Harris County a glimpse into the altruistic nature of the festival.
HAF’s Executive Council member, Rishi Bhutada, and Associate Director, Jay Kansara, met with Judge Emmett to discuss the importance of Diwali, who, as the chief executive of Harris County, offered November 5th to be officially recognized in his jurisdiction as Diwali Day through a proclamation. Mayor Siegel too was inspired by the spirit of Diwali and wanted to share her greetings with the Hindu community of Bellaire by issuing a city-wide proclamation.
“Judge Emmett and Mayor Siegel are indeed friends of the Hindu American community,” said Mr. Bhutada. “Hindus have lived in the Greater Houston-area for decades, establishing themselves professionally and raising their families in pursuit of the American dream. We’re grateful Judge Emmett and Mayor Siegel acknowledge the contributions of our community and the way our cultural heritage weaves into the social fabric of the United States.”
Diwali has become more notable in the United States in recent years, particularly since President Barack Obama became the first president to attend a White House celebration of the holiday and send an official greeting to the Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities in 2009 as well as this year. In 2007, the U.S. Congress acknowledged the religious and historical importance of Diwali through resolutions in both houses.
“As Hindu Americans, it is important we share our faith traditions with our neighbors in order to foster good relations with all Americans,” said Mr. Kansara. “Diwali is also a time to reflect upon the improvements to be made in one’s life for the betterment of society. I hope these proclamations inspire all to continue serving and contributing to the greater good.”
Click here to download the Harris County Proclamation.
Click here to download the City of Bellaire Proclamation.