Hindus want Diwali as school holiday in Burlington

NEVADA - Hindus have applauded Burlington School Board (Vermont, USA) for declaring Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr as school holidays.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement today, while congratulating the Board for these two additional holidays, urged it to also add Diwali, the most important Hindu holy day, to the holiday calendar.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, called it “a step in the right direction”. Awareness about other religions thus created by these holidays would make the Burlington School District pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow, Zed said and added that it would make District look good also besides bringing cohesion and unity in the community.

It would also go well with the District “mission”, which is “to ensure that all students achieve their highest intellectual and personal potential, and are prepared to contribute as global citizens in the 21st century”.

Rajan Zed further said that since it was important for Hindu families to celebrate Diwali day together at home with their children, we did not want our children to be deprived of any privileges at the school because of thus resulting absences on this day. (ANI)