Thursday, April 21, 2005

New Jersey Congressman urges US stamp for India's 'Festival of Lights'

Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ) has introduced a bill urging the US Postal Service to issue a postage stamp honoring Diwali, India`s festival of lights.

According to Pallone an estimated 1.5 million Indian Americans celebrate the holiday for five days during September and October. Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Muslims and Buddhists also observe Diwali in the United States and abroad. Approximately 115,000 people have signed an online petition to the Citizen`s Stamp Advisory Committee in support of the stamp
according to an on-line article at rediff.com.

In the petition it states that, "President George W Bush, this year- even though he was traveling in Asia-, made sure that Diwali was celebrated in The White House." It also quotes former President William J Clinton, as saying, “Diwali presents all of us with an opportunity to reflect on the many ways, the talent, the history and the traditions of the Indian people who have contributed to our national life and cultural heritage."
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posted by Don Schilling at 6:55 PM