/Sunnyvale

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, is urging Sunnyvale School District (SSD) to announce Diwali as a school holiday, by stating that it was important for Hindu families to celebrate Diwali day together at home with their children.

According to reports, Asians make-up about 41 percent of Sunnyvale’s population and a sizeable portion of those are of India descent.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argues that awareness about other religions, created by such holidays, would make the District pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow.

Besides bringing union and cohesion in the community, Zen also argues it would make SSD look better. Furthermore he explains that Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling darkness and lightens up lives as well as symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

On this day, Hindus worship Lakshmi the Goddess of good fortune and beauty, Ganesh the God of wisdom and auspiciousness, and mountain Goverdhan. This day also celebrates the coronation of Lord Ram, the birth of Lord Hanuman, Lord Vishnu return of the kingdom to the monkey king Bali of Kiskindha, the marriage of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the killing of the demon Narakasur by the hands of Lord Krishan, and crowning of ancient king Vikramaditya. On this day of forgiveness, festivities, and friendliness, families and friends get together for worship which is followed by a sumptuous and elaborate feast. It is also considered a harvest festival.

Diwali falls on October 26 this year and Zed stresses that all school districts across America should declare Diwali as a school holiday.

SSD, which runs 10 schools, is a high performing school district whose Sunnyvale Middle School and Cherry Chase Elementary are National Blue Ribbon Schools.