Comments on: Keeping our Communities Informed about our Customs: Diwali, by Sanchay Jain

By: The official War on Christmas thread (2009) - Politics and Other Controversies - Page 18 - City-Data Forum

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:47:37 +0000

[...] represent a small minority of the community, but I think accommodations can and should be made. Keeping our Communities Informed about our Customs: Diwali, by Sanchay Jain | Tattva Do those school districts that serve predominantly Jewish students also get the Christmas [...]

By: The official War on Christmas thread (2009) - Politics and Other Controversies - Page 17 - City-Data Forum

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:16:53 +0000

[...] Originally Posted by azriverfan. Are you arguing this is generally accepted practice in the country even among areas with significant Jewish populations because this occurred at your school? What about other religions. Do schools in New Jersey with heavy Indian populations shut down for Diwali? It wouldn’t surprise me at all to find out that some communities start taking Diwali as an official holiday instead of an excused absence. When I did a Google search, I did see that some other countries with have started closing schools for Diwali. Where I work it is not a holiday for everyone yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it became one. When I Googled on the the Jewish holidays, I saw that there were schools around the country that were closing for the holidays. I assume those are in districts with large Jewish populations. What I’m arguing is that school districts need to be responsive to the realities of the communities that they serve. While I don’t want religious celebrations in the public schools, I see no reason why the schools can’t make reasonable accommodations for the religious practices of the communities they serve. As I stated previously, this may be tougher when the students represent a small minority of the community, but I think accommodations can and should be made. Keeping our Communities Informed about our Customs: Diwali, by Sanchay Jain | Tattva [...]

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:23:47 +0000

Dear Sanchay Jain!
In your own little way you have contributed to the goodwill of so many Hindus who would be able to observe this pious holiday in a new light in Boston! This is what all inspired youth ought to be doing in their own community,hometown or country so as to lay down the foundation of Dharma in the world once more!
The sample letter for empowerment of our community is truly informative & relevant. You have made a positive difference in the life of thousand of Hindus, not just yours, through your ACTION! Well done & wish you all the best in life!