APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY
________________________
CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER RAMACHANDRAN
ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE DIWALI, THE FESTIVAL OF
LIGHTS CELEBRATED BY SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNIT IES
WORLDWIDE, AND IN THE SPIRIT OF DIWALI 2023 HONOR
MOTHERLAND NEPAL FOR THEIR POWERFUL WORK TO UPFLIFT
OAKLAND’S NEPALI IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, Diwali, a festival of great significance to South Asians and the South Asian Diaspora across the world , is celebrated annually by nearly two billion people of different religions, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists; and
WHEREAS, Diwali, one of the world’s oldest holidays, brings together family, fr iends, and communities across Oakland to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil; and
WHEREAS, Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, means “rows of lights”, Diwali is often celebrated by burning clay lamps around the home, distribution of sweets and gifts to neighbors, community song and dance traditions and street festivals; and
WHEREAS, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12th this year; and
WHEREAS, Oakland is home to a large South Asian community, including Nepali, Bhutanese, Indian, Sri Lankan and Pakistani Diaspora communities; and
WHEREAS, this Diwali 2023, the City of Oakland wants to specifically uplift the contributions of thousands of Oakland Nepali residents and hundreds of small businesses for their cultural and economic contributions to Oakland;
WHEREAS, this Diwali 2023, Motherland Nepal is a key organization that provides a strong sense of community for Nepali immigrants across the Oakland and East Bay Nepali community through public advocacy, celebration of Nepali cultural traditions, social support and technical assistance;
2 now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council recognizes the significance, both historical and cultural, of Diwali to the South Asian community in Oakland; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council recognizes Diwali on Sunday, November 12th and encourages the community to participate in celebr ating this joyous holiday ; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Oakland City Council recognizes Motherland Nepal as our honoree for Diwali 2023 and is grateful for the powerful community-building work they do for the Nepali diaspora community. We recognize the immense value of social and economic support they provide both for newly arrived immigrants as well as those who have called Oakland home for generations. We honor the immense contributions of this community to the economic fabric of the Town, through hundreds of small businesses in the hospitality, beauty, and restaurant businesses. Oakland City Council supports Motherland Nepal’s efforts to continue to expand their support services to the Nepali immigrant community, including their quest to find a physical home for their cultural activities, to ensure all Nepalis have stable employment and safe housing, and to expand language access to monolingual Nepali speakers.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST:
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California
2646873v9 / Attorney Initials - updated 1/9/2022
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