After many months of advocacy, public comments, meetings, media coverage, petition signatures, emails, and community outreach, Diwali was not added as a holiday to the Chesterfield County Public Schools calendar. While this outcome is deeply disappointing, I wanted to share an update and, more importantly, say thank you.

I’ll be honest — I’m frustrated. Throughout this process, it has often felt difficult to understand how decisions are ultimately made or what specifically moves the needle. From our perspective, the process has felt like a bit of a black box. Despite the overwhelming support from families, students, educators, and community members, we were unable to achieve the change we hoped for this time.  

What disappoints me most, however, is not the outcome itself. It’s knowing that students like my daughter — and so many other children across Chesterfield — will continue to face a choice that no child should have to make: balancing an important cultural and religious celebration with school responsibilities. This effort was always about them.

At the same time, I am incredibly grateful.

Thank you to every person who signed the petition. Thank you to those who shared it with friends and neighbors. Thank you to the parents, students, and community members who took the time to write emails, submit feedback, attend meetings, and speak before the School Board. Your support demonstrated that this issue matters to far more people than just a handful of families.

Along the way, I learned a great deal about our school system, community advocacy, and the importance of civic engagement. I also met many wonderful people who believe that all students deserve to see their cultures and traditions reflected and respected within our schools.

While this chapter did not end the way we hoped, I don’t believe the conversation is over. Over the coming months, I will be reflecting on what we’ve learned, exploring what other avenues may exist, and trying to determine what steps might be most effective moving forward.

Thank you again for standing with us. Your support meant more than you know.

With gratitude,

Suchit Gandhi

For reference, the recent VPM article covering the School Board’s decision and community response can be found here:  VPM News article on the Diwali holiday effort⁠.