Nevada (US), Oct 20 Hindus have applauded two east London boroughs for declaring Diwali, Eid and Guru Nanak Birthday as school holidays.

Waltham Forest and Newham councils have reportedly announced Eid, Diwali, and Guru Nanak Birthday as school closure days in all the community primary and secondary schools.

Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, called it "a step in the right direction". Awareness about other religions thus created by these holidays would make the borough children well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow, Zed said and added that it would make boroughs look good also.

Sir Robin Wales is the mayor of Newham, one of whose pledges is "An Active and Inclusive Community".

Mayor Wales, in his recent Diwali message, said: "I am proud to be the Mayor of the most multicultural and culturally diverse community in the country. This festival plays an important role in helping us to appreciate and celebrate this diversity." Mayor of Waltham Forest is Anna Mbachu. (ANI)