Padma Kuppa DETROIT, MI - Four cities in Michigan have declared Diwali Day in recognition of the holiday celebrated by Hindus.
The resolutions came about through the efforts of the Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group. In recent months, Padma Kuppa of Troy, a board member of the Foundation, worked with officials in her hometown, as well as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Rochester Hills, to get the resolutions passed.
“Hindus have lived in and contributed to the metro Detroit area for decades,” Kuppa said. “We’re grateful that all of these cities are acknowledging our contributions and the way our cultural heritage weaves into the social fabric of America.” The resolutions reflect the growing Indian-American population, many of whom celebrate Diwali, in Michigan.
The resolutions came about through the efforts of the Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group. In recent months, Padma Kuppa of Troy, a board member of the Foundation, worked with officials in her hometown, as well as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Rochester Hills, to get the resolutions passed.
“Hindus have lived in and contributed to the metro Detroit area for decades,” Kuppa said. “We’re grateful that all of these cities are acknowledging our contributions and the way our cultural heritage weaves into the social fabric of America.” The resolutions reflect the growing Indian-American population, many of whom celebrate Diwali, in Michigan.
That population numbers about 85,000, according to the U.S. census. People from India are the biggest immigrant group in metro Detroit, according to a recent study by Global Detroit, a nonprofit headed by former State Rep. Steve Tobocman that highlights the economic benefits of skilled immigrants. Steve Spreitzer, CEO of Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, told the Detroit Free Press “It is gratifying to see our lawmakers coming together to demonstrate their commitment and appreciation for religious diversity.”
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