On the same day as Halloween, the festival of lights, Bandi Chhor, is celebrated — known widely as Diwali. Hindus, Sikhs, and some Buddhists observe this important day. At Cardozo, the Student Sikh Association (SSA) Club organized a meaningful event to reflect on the significance of this celebration.
In room 351, right after school, the SSA held a gathering to honor Diwali. The enticing aroma of samosas filled the air, complemented by trays of ready-to-eat jalebi. The meeting commenced with introductions from the board: Abhirup Singh, president; Yuvraj Singh, vice president; Chetan Pawar, co-vice president; Arshpreet Kaur, treasurer; Pardeep Singh, inner secretary; and Nivshan Munday, outer secretary.
Abhirup Singh kicked off the meeting by discussing the future of the SSA club, outlining plans for more bake sales and engaging Jeopardy games to support students. He emphasized the availability of college support for those in need.
“We’ll be offering college and career tutoring by actual college students from local universities, giving you the chance to ask them questions firsthand. I’m really excited about that,” he exclaimed.
He continued, “We’ll teach the basics of Punjabi and Sikh history, providing you with essential resources to help you graduate from high school and prepare for college.”
As the meeting progressed, Singh shared the story of Diwali and its significance. He explained, “Sikhs celebrate Diwali to honor the Guru’s release, who is known as a liberator for freeing 52 other kings, a feat no one else could achieve at that time.”
Singh passionately conveyed the challenges Sikhs faced during that era, recalling how two of the Guru’s personal bodyguards assassinated a government leader in response to the injustices inflicted upon their people. “Imagine your own government attacking your rights and beliefs,” he said. “It’s like Jerusalem being assaulted by its own leaders, those sworn to protect you.”
Diwali is not just a day of celebration with friends and family; it’s also a day of remembrance for the liberation of the Sixth Guru and the unjustly imprisoned kings. This day underscores the importance of religious freedom and the bonds that unite communities in the face of adversity.
