US lawmaker hails House panel's decision to recognise Diwali

WASHINGTON: A US lawmaker has hailed the decision of a House panel approving a legislation recognizing the historical and religious significance of Diwali, celebrated by millions of Indian-Americans.

Joseph Crowley, a Democratic Congressman from New York and a former co-chair of the Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, has welcomed the decision of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for approving legislation recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.

"I was proud to join my colleagues in officially marking the celebration of Diwali, a day of great significance to Indian-Americans and Indians around the world," Crowley, who is also a member of the House panel, said.

"Every year, Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by millions in the United States and billions throughout the world. Representing one of the largest Indian American communities, I take pride in observing Diwali with my constituents annually," he said.

Crowley is one of the co-sponsors of the legislation (H.Res 747), which will be put up for vote in the House of Representatives.

Over 2 million Indian Americans, mostly Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Christian, are residing in the US. They have the highest educational qualifications and the highest median income among the ethnic groups in the US.