Indian-American State Legislator Rueben D’Silva’s Assembly Bill 82 got its first hearing, and over fifty members of the diverse South Asian community and religious leaders testified in support of the bill, which would require the governor to annually proclaim “Diwali Day,” “Eid al-Fitr Day,” “Vaisakhi Day” and “Vesak Day” in Nevada  The proclamation may call upon the news media, educators, business and labor leaders, and appropriate governmental officers to bring to the attention of the residents of Nevada the diversity and inclusion of the cultures that celebrate Diwali in the State of Nevada and throughout the world. The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Reuben D’Silva and co-sponsored by the newly elected Assemblywoman Hanadi Nadeem, who also spoke in support of the bill.

The bill has received widespread support from the community, with over a dozen individuals from the South Asian community in Carson City speaking in favor of it, including 11-year-old Mohammad Nadeem, son of newly elected Assemblywoman Hanadi Nadeem. 

In Las Vegas, over forty attendees supported the bill during an online hearing from the NV State Building meeting room. Hindu Mandir Pandit ji Brijesh Rawal represented the Hindu community in a traditional priestly attire and passionately spoke about the significance of Diwali and its celebration by over 1.5 billion Hindus worldwide. Rawal educated the committee about Diwali and its cultural significance.

Fayyaz Raja and Sharifa Wahab represented the Muslim community. Raja, Wahab, and other community members strongly pleaded to recognize Eid al-Fitr Day. With over a hundred thousand Muslims from all corners of the world calling Southern Nevada home, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr has become a vibrant, much-anticipated event that holds profound religious and cultural significance. Southern Nevada is home to a rapidly growing Muslim population, and with 12 mosques spread across the region, the community is diverse and expansive. From young families to long-time residents, Eid al-Fitr—a day marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan—is celebrated with full fervor and excitement. “It is a day of prayer, reflection, giving, and communal gatherings, where people come together to share meals and gifts, strengthening bonds with the community,” said Raja. (See meeting video below beginning at 46:10)

Members of the Sikh community were well-represented at the hearing, where they advocated for the recognition of Vaisakhi, a significant religious and cultural observance. Among those in attendance were Tarsem Singh, President, and Priest Karnail Singh of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, along with Bill Bhatti from the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Prakash  They were joined by other prominent members of the Sikh congregation, all united in support of a bill aimed at officially recognizing Vaisakhi in the state  Singh, in his address at the hearing, spoke about the historical significance of Vaisakhi celebrations around the world, particularly in California, where early Sikh immigrants began the tradition more than 100 years ago  “For over five decades, members of our community in California have celebrated Vaisakhi with vibrant parades, feasts, and prayers, contributing to the cultural diversity and unity of the region,” Singh said. (See meeting video below beginning at 47:10)

Mohan Achata, President of the Hindu and Jain Temple of Las Vegas, spoke avidly about the bill’s potential benefits, stressing the importance of the legislation in promoting inclusivity and respecting the traditions and values of all religious groups. Joining Achata in supporting the bill were Mandir VP Pratik Dudhia, Shiva Goswami, a young and active member of the Hindu community, Deep Goswami, Deputy City Attorney for North Las Vegas (NLV), and other members of the growing Hindu community  “We as both a state and country pride ourselves on our historic melting pot of culture and diversity, and recognizing Diwali as an official day of observance aligns with the core values and ideals of both our country and state,” testified Shiva Goswami, a 9^th grader attending Northwest Career & Technical Academy. Shiva, who represents a new generation of advocates within the community said, “passing AB82 will not only represent and empower members of the Indian American community but also serve as a reminder that our state’s diversity is a source of pride and enrichment for our state.” (See meeting video below beginning at 50:00)

Las Vegan Bollywood Hollywood actress and a former Ms. New Jersey USA, Emily Shah, attended the meeting and testified enthusiastically in support of passing the bill. Born to a Christian mother and a Hindu father, she was raised in a household that embraced both religious traditions. This blend of cultures allowed her to celebrate Christmas and Diwali, two significant holidays from vastly different religious practices, with her extended family. Couple of representatives from the Radha Govinda Mandir were also in attendance to support the bill. 

At the hearing, many Buddhist community members came together to advocate for the official public recognition of Vesak Day. The day holds immense significance for Buddhists worldwide, as it marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha—events that are fundamental to the teachings and practices of Buddhism. 

“I’m honored to bring forward this bill to the legislature. The inspiration for this bill came directly from the community. We will work hard to get this bill passed,” said the bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman Reuben D’Silva.

The bill, still under review, has sparked important conversations in the community, drawing attention to the values of inclusivity and respect for diverse cultures, traditions, and religions. 

Full recording of the Assembly Bill 22.