Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens celebrates Diwali at event hosted by CoHNA

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In a historic, first-of-its-kind event, Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens joined Diwali celebrations and dinner at an event Nov. 8, 2023 sponsored by the Coalition of Hindus in North America, CoHNA. It was also attended by Consul general of India L Ramesh Babu, a press release from CoHNA said. It also marked the culmination of Hindu Heritage Month proclaimed earlier by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

Mayor Dickens praised the many international communities that call Atlanta home, adding, “The South Asian and Indian communities make an incredible impact on Atlanta’s culture, and Atlanta’s economy,” he said, and also praised the contributions of Indian entrepreneurs to the economy of the state. He also referred to the special place Mahatma Gandhi had in the civil rights movement.

He concluded, “So just as Gandhi was a guiding light to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I wish you all a bright evening of festivities and a wonderful Diwali celebration.”

Consul General Babu thanked the Mayor for attending and highlighted the close ties between the India and the US. “We all know that India and the United States enjoy a comprehensive global strategic partnership covering almost all areas of cooperation in human endeavor,” he said, describing the relationship as vibrant and people-to-people.

Vice President of CoHNA, Rajeev Menon thanked the Mayor and the Consul General. The event was attended by other local leaders including State representatives Solomon Adesanya and Mesha Mainor, Cobb County Commissioner Jerica Richardson and former City Council president, Felicia Moore.

“This is a major milestone in the history of Atlanta” said CoHNA Board member Suresh Krishnamoorthy. “For the first time, we have recognition of an important festival for Hindu Americans from the Mayor of Atlanta. CoHNA plans to continue the outreach to political leadership in the Atlanta area and advocate for Hindu American causes”

“Georgia and Atlanta have been at the forefront of recognizing Hindu American community, being the first to recognize Hinduphobia in the Assembly, the Governor’s proclamation of October as Hindu Heritage Month and now the Mayor’s Diwali Dinner,” said Rajeev Menon. “We expect to continue to build on this relationship going forward to forge stronger ties with the political leaders and the Hindu American diaspora”