A Coral Springs resident was part of an advocacy campaign that led Broward schools last week to add a new off-day for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
Students, for the first time, will not have classes on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in observance of the holiday, commemorated by around one billion people globally.
“This decision is a monumental milestone in celebrating the diversity within our community,” said Prem Mirpuri, who operates Nina’s Jewelry & Watch Supercenter in Tamarac and Brightpoint Infotech in Coral Springs.
The entrepreneur is also president of the board of the Indian Regional Cultural Center and an outspoken advocate for Indian representation.
A father of two BCPS students, Mirpuri said his daughter recently said she didn’t think she could become President of the United States because she is Indian.
“Her words were a stark reminder that we still have work to do as our children, even though they are born in the USA, still feel as outsiders and still feel they may not be accepted by society,” he said.
Neha Mirpuri, Fareida Rajkumar and Prem Mirpuri. {courtesy}
BCPS’ Diwali observance, he added, will “make a significant difference for children, allowing them to participate in Diwali festivities without having to choose between school and tradition.”
Mirpuri said that Diwali is a time for families to come together, celebrate, and reflect on peace and prosperity.
He said that tireless advocacy by Fareida Rajkumar and other community leaders and the Hindu American Political Action Committee (HAPAC) spurred the school board’s decision.
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