A commemorative Diwali stamp will be issued by the US this year, capping seven years-long efforts by Indian-Americans here and influential American lawmakers to have a stamp marking the Indian festival of lights, a move welcomed by the community.
The stamp that shows a photo of a traditional ‘diya’ lit against a sparkling gold background and the words ‘Forever USA 2016’ written below will be formally unveiled on 5 October.
The postage stamp will be issued by the US Postal Service (USPS) from November “honouring Diwali, the festival of lights,” Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney from New York said.
USPS Sally Andersen-Bruce of Connecticut photographed the diya and Greg Breeding of Virginia designed the stamp, with William Gicker of Washington serving as the project’s art director.
Maloney lamented that despite Diwali being an “important spiritual and cultural festival” for many Indian-Americans and millions around the world, it had not been given its own commemorative stamp till now.
Given that every other major religion has its own commemorative stamp, she said a stamp for Diwali had been long over-due.
Among other lawmakers Senators Mark Warner and John Cornyn and House members Joe Crowley, Ed Royce, Ami Bera, and George Holding, all past or present co-chairs of their chamber’s India Caucuses, also led significant campaigns to assure Congressional support for this measure.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the only Hindu member of Congress, led the most recent write in campaign to the USPS with hundreds of signatories.
This has been a long and arduous process but this act by the USPS to recognize this special day and to further increase and enrich our nation’s tapestry of religious and cultural diversity will be greatly appreciated by many.Tulsi Gabbard, Congresswoman
Source: PTI