The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations marked Dr BR Ambedkar's birth anniversary with a special commemorative event at the UN headquarters in New York, attended by global leaders.
New York City has proclaimed April 14 as "Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Day," recognising the principal architect of India's Constitution on what would be his 134th birth anniversary.
In a historic move, New York City schools will close on Friday, November 1, to observe the Hindu festival of Diwali. This marks the first time the city's schools have recognised the holiday.
New York City Mayor, Eric Adams and Indian Consulate General to New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan were among the major dignitaries present at the event, organised by the Indian Cultural Association of North America.
Mayor Adams attended a Mata Ki Chowki, a religious celebration, at the Geeta Mandir in the city. Adams -- joined by one of his top allies Deputy Commissioner of International Affairs Dilip Chauhan- thanked and highlighted the "importance of true faith and the importance of worship."
The Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Mayor's office, Dilip Chauhan lauded the historic development of observing Diwali as a public school holiday for the first time in its history.