It is not always bad news about Indians in America. Sometimes good news can also come and that too can come under Trump’s rule. California has become the third state in America to declare Diwali as a state holiday. Due to this, there will now be an official holiday during these days. More than one million Indians live in California.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that he has signed a bill by Assemblyman Ash Kalra declaring Diwali as a state holiday. The bill titled AB 268 was introduced in September and successfully passed by both houses of parliament. After that, it was awaiting the governor’s final approval. Most importantly, Diwali has been declared a state holiday in California at a time when Trump is running an anti-immigrant campaign.
California is considered the second home of Indians in America. More than a million Indians have jumped for joy with the signing of the governor’s bill. First, Pennsylvania declared Diwali a state holiday in 2024. After that, Connecticut has declared Diwali a state holiday.
Both these states also have a significant Indian population. Apart from this, public schools have been declared holiday in New York during Diwali days. Thus, for the first time, something has happened in America that will give relief to Indians from the recent steps taken by Trump.
Indiaspora founder and chairman MR Ranganathaswamy said that this historic decision of California is a seal on the contribution made by Indian Americans in the growth and success of California. The contribution made by Indians in uplifting communities in the state, from the economy of California to the arts, science, public life, has been appreciated by this step.
