New Jersey needs a new state holiday

Indian Americans are among the fastest-growing ethnic group in the Garden State.

One in 20 New Jerseyans is South Asian and Indian-Americans make up the largest portion of that group.

As my wife Jodi and I tour the state spreading the word about common sense solutions to fix what is clearly broken, we meet some incredible people.

Last month we were honored by our friends Raj, Neeta and Santosh at the Shirdi Sai Temple and Cultural Center in Edison.

My friend and former GOP chairwoman in Montgomery, Somerset County, Rosy Thakkar was crowned and titled "Rani (Queen) Padmavati." Rosy Thakkar, joined us to talk about the great honor she recently received.

It's an honor that happens in Rajasthan India and was brought to Woodbridge, NJ.

More than a thousand New Jerseyans were on hand to see her receive the honor.

Thakkar joined us on the show Wednesday, and wanted to tell us a word about her upcoming foundation:

Thank you for taking my call today. Diwali is very important to the entire Indian community.
Your initiative must be shared with everyone. Wanted to bring to your kind attention about a small typo in yesterday’s article.
My Title should read “ Rani (Queen) Padmavati.” The Rani Padmavati title & Crown, Republican values, and my Sikh values all teach us to give back to the community. I am working on a foundation that advocates those in need and provides insight/awareness to individuals, and communities who are in need of sustainable solutions...mental health issues impact people of every age

As you know, I'm working on a live broadcast from New York City on Oct. 28 as I join my friends to celebrate Diwali in Times Square.

One of our Common Sense proposals for New Jersey is to implement Diwali as a state holiday so the kids can take a day off to celebrate with their families.

Stay tuned.

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More Spadea on NJ 101.5 app

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own. Bill Spadea is on the air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m., talkin’ Jersey, taking your calls at 1-800-283-1015.

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