Clayton County inspired by Diwali Celebration
Photo:
Clayton County Commissioner Wole Ralph with Board of Governors from Ambaji USA: Vinu Patel, Commissioner Ralph, Govind Patel, Ashivin Patel, and Bharat Patel.
Diwali, known as “the festival of lights,” is one of the most significant holidays of the year in India and is observed as an official holiday in India and other areas of the world with large Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist populations. Two years ago President Obama became the first U.S. President to celebrate Diwali at the White House. This year, he acknowledged the contributions of the Indian American community in every field of the country from New York taxi drivers to the teenager who won the 2011 Google science fair.
Around Atlanta, Diwali celebrations have welcomed special guests: this year Clayton County Commissioners Wole Ralph and Sonna Singleton visited the Ambaji USA Temple of Atlanta during its annual Diwali celebration on Thursday, October 27, 2011, at its headquarters location in Lake City, Georgia. The Commissioners took the opportunity to embrace one of the many cultures represented in Clayton County and to learn more about this significant Indian holiday.
Mr. Ajit Kumar, Consul General of India was introduced to the crowd of thousands. During the cultural program, Commissioner Singleton presented a proclamation honoring October 24-28, 2011, as “Diwali – Festival of Lights” Week in Clayton County.
“Clayton County is rich with diversity and we are pleased to recognize and celebrate the cultural vibrancy of the county. I was proud to learn of the generous services that Ambaji USA is providing to our community,” said Commissioner Ralph. The Ambaji USA Temple provides food and offers seminars with free medical consultations to the community in Clayton County and surrounding areas.
“Diwali is a wonderful opportunity for all Clayton County residents to learn about the importance of this traditional Indian holiday. [It] evokes an inspirational message of knowledge, respect, and love. It serves as a great educational tool for our children. We thank Ambaji USA for all they do to serve the community and on behalf of the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, we wish everyone a Happy Diwali,” said Commissioner Singleton.
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Link: http://ambajiusa.org/
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