Luther College; a college of the Lutheran Church affiliated to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a Christian denomination; will celebrate Hindu festival of lights Diwali on October 26.

The Diwali program will be followed by refreshments and “a time for conversation”.

Applauding Luther College for Diwali celebration, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, described it as a “remarkable interfaith gesture” and “a step in the right direction”.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged all USA universities and colleges to celebrate Diwali. Awareness about other religions thus created by such celebrations like Diwali would make the students well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow, Zed added.

Rajan Zed pointed out that religion was a complex element of our lives and religion comprised much more than one’s own individual experience or specific tradition. God, as a sign of God’s munificence and benevolence, constructively wished presence of different faiths.

According to Zed, Diwali, most popular Hindu festival, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Founded in 1861, women majority Luther College in Decorah (Iowa, USA) offers over 60 majors to about 2,500 students, who besides USA come from 25 countries. Dr.Paula J. Carlson is the President.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.