Copy of KP Sompally's statement made during Citizens Comment at the Franklin School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Dec 14, 2021:
"Request to add Diwali as an observed holiday to the list of no-school days.
I am a community member, volunteer, and parent (my child attends Franklin High School.) I would like to request that the School Committee discuss at a future meeting about DIWALI as an observed holiday
• The Town of Franklin observes numerous holidays – Christmas, Thanksgiving, Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and many more.
• We connected to each other through our different cultures with respective values. We have people from different ethnicities, religions and nationalities. We’re a growing town with good representation from several communities. Adopting an inclusive approach allows diversity to flourish
• Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by people of multiple faiths, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists
• Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival celebrates over 5 days, culminating on Diwali Day which is new moon day
• About 800 Franklin families celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights and could celebrate well by being together, if it is a holiday
Every year, I am one of 5 million Americans who celebrate Diwali across our nation. I think it’s all more important to educate people about other backgrounds so that we can all live more in harmony, tolerance and inclusion. A holiday for Diwali will be a great inspiration for students who are trying to fulfill Franklin public school’s mission of being a global citizen
Making it a school holiday would help people of the town better understand its cultural significance, it would definitely give a message to the world that Franklin is flourishing by giving significant importance to diversity.
I appreciate the time and effort the school committee puts into our school wellness ultimately protecting our town's future and values. I look forward to hearing from you on this matter. If you would like to discuss this request further,
Thank you for your time, service and consideration.
Sincerely,
KP Sompally"
For more about Diwali -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
Congressman Jake Auchincloss joined to celebrate Diwali at the Franklin Library in November, 2021 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/diwali-festival-celebrated-at-franklin.html
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