‘NAVA’ and ‘Diwali Coalition’ to appeal for holiday for New York schools on Diwali day

The New American Voters Association (NAVA) and Diwali Coalition led a group of about 60 representatives of 29 different organizations to Albany, Capital of New York State and submitted an appeal of Senator Leroy G. Comrie to more than 20 senators and 25 Assembly Members.
The appeal requested the passing of the following bills: Senate Bill 2446 – which would allow students to request halal, kosher or vegetarian meals in New York City Public Schools; Senate Bill 2776 which would give a holiday on Diwali for schools that have significant South-Asian population; and Senate Bill 2814 , which would give a holiday on Diwali New York State.
During the Senate Session NAVA was introduced to the members. Dr. Dilip Nath, president and Rokeya Akhter, executive director of NAVA led the team. Former city council member and prospective candidate for Queens Borough President Elizabeth Crowley accompanied the group.