Rego Park, NY – November 8, 2024 – In a vibrant celebration marking the inaugural school holiday for Diwali in New York City Public Schools, Mithila Center USA, in partnership with P.S. 139Q-The Rego Park School, hosted a historic program celebrating the spirit of Diwali through art, culture, and community. Led by Amit Pratap Shah, Founder and President of Mithila Center USA, the event brought together over 600 students, parents, teachers, and school staff to commemorate this landmark occasion.
The program featured a Diwali Festival presentation and Art and Craft Workshop led by Minakshi Chaudhary, an acclaimed elementary school teacher and Mithila painting artist. Chaudhary introduced students to Diwali’s symbolism and history, guiding them in creating Mithila-inspired artwork that reflected the festival’s vibrant colors and cultural significance.
A highlight of the celebration was a dance performance by Angela Sah, a 3rd-grade student and aspiring performer, who captivated the audience with her graceful portrayal of Diwali’s themes of light and joy. Her performance was met with enthusiastic applause, underscoring the cultural pride and unity felt by all in attendance.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, Angela Sah and Minakshi Chaudhary were honored with New York State Assembly Citations presented by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. These citations acknowledged Angela’s inspiring performance and Minakshi’s dedication to preserving and sharing Mithila art with younger generations. The presentations highlighted their roles in making this celebration meaningful for the school and broader community.
School Principal Rolon Eleuterio warmly welcomed families with festival greetings, followed by remarks from Anna Sargeant, Chief of Staff for Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar, and Dr. Vipul Patel, Outreach Director at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple. They spoke on the importance of Diwali’s recognition as a school holiday, celebrating New York City’s inclusive spirit and commitment to honoring its diverse communities.Erica Burgos, Parent Coordinator at P.S. 139Q, played a key role in coordinating the program, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.
Throughout the event, students shared personal reflections on their joy at having a school holiday for Diwali. “Being able to celebrate Diwali with family and friends without missing school is a dream come true,” shared one student, expressing a sentiment that resonated with many.
Amit Pratap Shah, also a Queens Community Board (6) Member and an elected member of the New York City Public School Leadership Team (SLT), emphasized the importance of engaging students, teachers, and parents in preserving cultural heritage. “Celebrating Diwali at school allows children to see their culture valued and shared among peers, strengthening their connection to their heritage,” Shah stated, acknowledging this Diwali holiday as a historic milestone for New York City’s South Asian community.
Mithila Center USA also known as Mithila Art and Cultural Center is dedicated to promoting and preserving South Asian cultural heritage through a range of impactful programs. Since 2019, it has organized the annual Mithila Festival USA in New York and the Art for SDGs: Mithila Heritage Exhibition at the UN Headquarters, highlighting the region’s rich art and culture as well as promoting United Nations Sustainable Goals (SDGs). Since 2021, the Center has also organized the Ram Janaki Vivahpanchami Mahotsav in New York City, a celebration that promotes the historical and spiritual significance of this sacred festival. Through exhibitions and events, the Mahotsav honors the leadership, sacrifices, and family bonds demonstrated in the union of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. This festival connects people from Ayodhya, India—the birthplace of Lord Ramand Janakpur, Nepal—the birthplace of Goddess Sita, fostering a sense of community among participants. Recently, in July 2024, the New York City Mayor honored the Mithila community, originally from India and Nepal, with a Mithila Heritage Reception at Gracie Mansion, marking a milestone for the community’s contributions in New York.
The celebration at P.S. 139Q-The Rego Park School highlighted the positive impact of cultural representation in public education. The recognition of Diwali as a school holiday marks a significant step toward fostering cultural awareness and unity across New York City’s diverse communities, enabling families to celebrate together and underscoring the city’s commitment to honoring the heritage of all residents.
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