Diwali stamp released by US Postal Service
New York : A stamp with an
Indian 'diya' or lamp on its face was launched by the US postal service at the
Indian consulate today to commemorate the festival of Diwali. The stamp shows a
traditional 'diya' lit against a sparkling background, and the words 'Forever
USA 2016' written below.
The release stamp marks the end
of a seven-year-long effort by influential Indian-Americans to get Diwali
recognised as a cultural holiday at par with Christmas and the Jewish festival
of Hanukkah.
The release of the stamp was
attended by India's Consul General Riva Ganguly, US Congresswoman Carolyn
Maloney and India's former diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri, among others.
"It has taken many years
of hard work and advocacy but light has finally triumphed. Today Diwali joins
the ranks of other major religions and cultural holidays such as Christmas,
Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Eid," Ms Maloney said.
She also said that getting the
stamp approved involved tireless advocacy, including meetings with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and personal appeals to President Barack Obama.
Vice President of the US postal
service Pritha Mehra said it was "an honour" to issue the Diwali
stamp and added: "We hope these will light up millions of cards and
letters as they make their journey through the mail stream."
Eminent Indian-American lawyer
Ravi Batra said that since the start of the American Revolution "destiny
beckoned the US and India to be the closest of allies," and that the stamp
"represents nothing short of respectful inclusive indivisibility within
America and between the two sovereigns."
Chairman of the Diwali Stamp
Project - the group behind the move - Ranju Batra said it was a dream come
true.
"Now for the first time
there is a stamp that celebrates Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists as
Americans forever. The Diwali stamp will be a matter of pride for generations
to come," she said.
Sally Andersen-Bruce of
Connecticut photographed the "diya" and Greg Breeding of Virginia
designed the stamp. William Gicker of Washington served as the project's art
director.