Diwali - A integral part of American culture!2001

Diwali is on Wednesday, November 14th; let us celebrate with a unified voice for a change. Other cultures celebrate such events by taking religious holidays (Hannukah and Ramadan). Why should we not have a holiday for Diwali? When was the last time you took a religious holiday? Why not this Wednesday? Why are we always afraid to be ourselves and to celebrate the wonder and diversity of our culture. We are a nation of nations amongst ourselves. We are over 50 years old and beautiful. We are the World's largest democracy, so let us be heard.
Imagine if every doctor, dentist, pharmacist, computer programmer, engineer, small business owner,... takes Wednesday as a religious holiday. Only then will America realize the importance of Indians to US society. And only then will America recognize the positive contributions of Indians. Everybody knows about Christmas, Hannukah, and Ramadan, but no one knows about Diwali.Why not? Why do we not celebrate our religion like others? What are we afraid of?