Decision to Include Hindu Holiday Gets Noticed in India

Following the Smithfield School Committee's decision on Oct. 1 to include Hindu religious holidays in its 2012-13 school calendar, the news spread — all the way to India.

The President of Universal Society of Hinduism, Rajan Zed, published a statement on Oct. 5 noting the decision by Smithfield Supt. Robert O'Brien — who used the Barrington school calendar as a guide, according to the Valley Breeze — to recognize the Hindu observation of Diwali, held this year on Nov. 13.

And on Oct. 6, the Times of India, the largest English-language newspaper in India, posted a brief note on its website about the news.

In his statement, Zed said: "Awareness about other religions thus created by such listings would make the Smithfield and Barrington Public Schools’ pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow."

Zed also asked all Rhode Island school districts to make similar changes to their school calendars.

The new school calendar for Smithfield Schools also includes Jewish and Muslim holidays, and the Lunar New Year, observed by many East Asian cultures.