To the editor: As a 13-year-old scholar 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 could add new state vacation. What’s Diwali and who celebrates it?,” Sept. 15).
Earlier than then, I didn’t actually get the prospect to study or rejoice Diwali at college as a result of it wasn’t official. I used to be born right here within the U.S. and so had been my dad and mom. However with out recognition, it generally felt like my a part of American tradition didn’t rely the identical method 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 ought to 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 likelihood via Meeting Invoice 268. Children in Los Angeles and throughout California deserve the identical as youngsters in New York.
Arjay Paruchuri, New York Metropolis
