NEW YORK (TIP): SA4BNY, NY Daily News, elected officials and community got together to celebrate Diwali at a Holiday party at  Richie Rich banquet in Richmond Hill, December 2.

Co-hosted by Public Advocate Letitia (Tish) James, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, Congresswoman Grace Meng, NYS Senator James Sanders, NYS Asst. Speaker Felix Ortiz, Council Member Daniel Dromm, Council Member Barry Grodenchik, Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, Assemblyman David Weprin, Assemblyman Mike Miller and several other elected officials, the event was a huge success with several political leaders in attendance. Additionally, the event had special representation from Governor Cuomo’s Office. Gov. Cuomo gave proclamation to SA4BNY declaring November 11th to be a Diwali Day,

NYC Public Advocate Tish James and Pam Kwatra launched a campaign along with other elected officials for Diwali to be a Public School Holiday, Consul General of Nepal Narayan Prasad Mainali, Mina Malik Executive Director NYC CCRB, 1st South Asian Judge Ushir Pandit in QueensCounty, many organization presidents, heads and  community leaders  attended.

Under the overall coordination and leadership of Pam Kwatra  the event was coordinated and executed by Eric Kumar and Flora Parekh (SA4BNY VP/Gen Secretary) who were the Master of Ceremonies as well.

The event started with National Anthems followed by special blessings from Chamunda Swami. Eric Kumar along with SA4BNY Executive Committee – D.P. Singh, Ravinder Dhillon and Karamjit Dhaliwal read a special Diwali Message from the Prime Minister of India  Narendra Modi .

A Bollywood singer Shibani Kashyaprocked the evening with her melodious voice.

Tish James started her speech observing a moment of silence for the unfortunate victims of the mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. All elected officials spoke on the occasion and extended Diwali greetings to the  gathering.

The  speeches were followed by entertainment and  a dinner hosted  by Jarnail Singh , the owner of Richie Rich.