Title
To recognize and celebrate November 12, 2023 as the Festival of Diwali in the City of Columbus
Body
WHEREAS, Over one billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists worldwide observe the festival of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights” which symbolizes the victory of dharma or good over evil; and,
WHEREAS, Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals of great historic and religious significance to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists and since its recognition by the U.S Congress in 2007, has been a part of official White House celebrations; and,
WHEREAS, Diwali renews our commitment to upholding values of truth, non-harming, charitable giving, community service etc.; and,
WHEREAS, Diwali is a time for worshipping light in the form of wisdom, knowledge, peace, compassion and wellbeing and is celebrated by many Hindus as a day of thanksgiving for the homecoming of Lord Rama and the beginning of the new year for many Hindus; and,
WHEREAS, for Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated as a day that the sixth founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind, was released from the captivity by Mughal Emperor Jehangi; and,
WHEREAS, there is a sizeable population of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists mainly originating from India, Bhutan and Nepal who have made Columbus their home; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. J.S. Jindal, President of the Spiritual Sadhna Society continues to educate and empower our communities on the importance of Diwali and the South Asian community in the City of Columbus; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize the religious and historical significance of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and its message of victory of good over evil, which resonates with the American spirit;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: This Council does hereby proudly express its deepest respect for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans throughout the world and here in Columbus who celebrate the Festival of Diwali....
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