New York City has declared 19 October 2016 as ‘Waris Ahluwalia Day’ to honour the Sikh-American’s efforts to encounter religious intolerance.
Ahluwalia, an actor and designer, was not allowed to board a flight in February allegedly, due to his turban.
Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio felicitated Mr. Ahluwalia at a special Diwali function at his official residence.
Mayor de Blasio hailed Ahluwalia for his “powerful message of countering ignorance, celebrating inclusion and advocating for religious understanding and tolerance everywhere he goes.”
Addressing the issue of hate attacks against members of the Sikh community, Mr. de Blasio said “an attack on any community and individual because of their faith is an attack on all of us”.
Mr. Ahluwalia said this was an incredible honour for him and thanked the mayor for this.
Source: Instagram
“I'm honored beyond words and will to continue to uphold the values of this magnificent metropolis,” he told.
"Diwali is more relevant today, this year, than ever. A festival that celebrates good over evil and knowledge over ignorance is a festival for all humanity. It knows no borders. It knows no race," he added.
"As you start your day, with the first step, and all the following steps, as your feet hit the pavement, step forward with love. Put love in all that you do. Exist with love. It's our only weapon against fear. Know yourself as love and know the stranger you pass on the street as love — not as the other. There is no other. Just us. That's how I do it. With love and empathy. Each and every day," he added.
