Author: PTI
Publication: India Journal
Date: November 5, 2009
URL: http://www.indiajournal.com/pages/event.php?id=8898
Maryland Governor, Maryin O'Malley, celebrated
Diwali, at the Governor's Mansion here, along with members of the Indian-American
community.
"I am happy to join the Indian American
community in celebrating Diwali" O'Malley said on the occasion.
"The Festival of Lights is a beautiful
tradition, and the message of light over darkness is one that can be an inspiration
to us all during these difficult times," the Governor said wherein he
appreciated the significant contributions made by the community in the progress
of Maryland.
The Governor also issued a proclamation citing
Oct 17 as Diwali Day, and the week as Diwali week.
"As a Marylander and as a member of the
Indian American community, I would like to thank Governor O'Malley for recognizing
this important holiday," Delegate Kumar Barve, Majority Leader of the
Maryland House of Delegates said.
"By recognizing the festival of Diwali,
the Governor is underscoring Maryland's tradition of inclusion of all religious
beliefs and practices," he said.
Addressing a large gathering of Indian American
community and business leaders, Swami Dheerananda from Chinmaya Mission delivered
a prayer and spoke about the significance of Diwali. Lt Governor Anthony Brown
joined Governor O'Malley in the lighting of the Diya.
"Having celebrated Diwali by the Governor
for the first time, and with the chanting of the sacred mantra, is a landmark
achievement and signifies how far we have come as a community," said
Ishani Chowdhury, from the Hindu American Foundation said.
"We have to continue to work hard to
ensure that we take an active role in shaping our future, as well as the public
policy of this state and nation," she said.
