In a heartwarming gesture, Mayor Eric Adams joined the Hindu community in celebrating Mata Ki Chowki, a religious event held at the Geeta Mandir in the city. The Mayor, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner of International Affairs Dilip Chauhan, expressed gratitude for the spiritual richness that such celebrations bring to the diverse communities, not only from Bharat but also from South Asian and Indo-Caribbean backgrounds residing in New York City.
When questioned about the significance of the recently inaugurated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Mayor Adams emphasized its importance, stating, “We have one of the largest Indian populations here in the city, and (Ram Mandir opening) allows them to celebrate and lift their spirituality to help us all in the healing process.” The Mayor acknowledged the role of faith in bringing people together and promoting a sense of unity.
Acknowledging the growing influence of the South Asian community in New York, Adams announced Diwali as a public school holiday, making history as the first mayor to do so. This decision came after state lawmakers approved a bill, reflecting the continuous efforts of the Indian American Community of New York over more than two decades to have Diwali officially recognized.
Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan expressed gratitude for Mayor Adams’ commitment to the Hindu community, noting, “I would like to add how Mayor Adams loves the Hindu community, he is the first in history to declare Diwali as a public holiday.”
The push for official recognition of Diwali aligns with the demographic changes in New York, with the Asian Indian population in the city more than doubling in the last three decades, reaching about 213,000 in the 2021 American Community Survey.
Mayor Adams, elected in 2021 with promises to enhance public safety and represent working-class residents, openly acknowledged the support from the Hindu community in his victory. He attributed his success to faith, including the support and blessings he received from the Hindu community during his mayoral campaign.
In his remarks, Adams emphasized the power of prayer and faith, stating, “I know that prayer works, I know that we show and display our faith, we can overcome all obstacles and the challenges and difficulties that come with becoming a mayor.”
Expressing gratitude to Swami Satyanand of Geeta Temple, Adams highlighted the teachings of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, noting their importance in guiding the community through challenging times. “The sacrifices, the dedication to commitment is what is going to take us through these difficult moments,” Adams concluded, emphasizing a shared journey of resilience and spiritual strength.
Comments