BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code ? 84308 Applies: Yes ? No ?
(If "YES" Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code ? 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Adopt a Resolution Recognizing October 20, 2025, as Diwali, Acknowledging the Cultural Significance of this Observance to Many Around the World and in Particular the South Asian Diaspora.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 20, 2025, AS DIWALI, ACKNOWLEDGING THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS OBSERVANCE TO MANY AROUND THE WORLD AND IN PARTICULAR THE SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA.
Body
SUMMARY:
Every year, around 1 billion people around the world celebrate Diwali during the Hindu month of Kartik (which falls between mid-October and mid-November in Western terms). The Festival of Lights, as it is also known, celebrates the victory of good versus evil, light versus dark, and knowledge over ignorance. It is an extremely important cultural observance for many members of our community and the biggest and most significant annual festival in India.
In addition to honoring this important cultural event by recognizing Diwali, we also aim to honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of the South Asian diaspora, particularly in Silicon Valley, where contributions have helped to shape the economic, technological, social, and cultural fabric of our community through their work and sharing of cultural practices like food, music, and art.
This Resolution aligns with and advances the Board's governance policies at Valley Water to foster fairness and belonging, while broadening our perspectives to enhance service delivery to our community.
This year, Valley Water will recognize and celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights with an in-person event on October 28 hosted by the Indo-American Association (AII) employee resource group (ERG). AII ERG serves as a resource to all employees to strengthen awareness, understanding, and belonging.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
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