Oct. 1, 2025 6 AM PT
To the editor: As a 13-year-old pupil in New York Metropolis, I wish to share what it meant to me when my faculty closed for Diwali for the primary time in 2024 (“California may add new state holiday. What is Diwali and who celebrates it?,” Sept. 15).
Earlier than then, I didn’t actually get the prospect to study or rejoice Diwali in school as a result of it wasn’t official. I used to be born right here within the U.S. and so have been my dad and mom. However with out recognition, it generally felt like my a part of American tradition didn’t rely the identical approach others’ did.
When my faculty lastly acknowledged Diwali, I felt proud. Since then, I’ve turn out to be an advocate for celebrating everybody’s tradition. I consider all People must be celebrated for his or her variations, not deported due to them. Celebrating holidays like Diwali collectively helps us construct understanding and connection.
California now has that probability by Meeting Invoice 268. Youngsters in Los Angeles and throughout California deserve the identical as children in New York.
Arjay Paruchuri, New York Metropolis
