Radhika Gupta on why she hasn't declared week-long Diwali break for Edelweiss MF employees

As India celebrated Diwali 2023 with grandeur and enthusiasm, the festival of lights coincided with a Sunday this year. For those without the luxury of a Monday holiday, numerous individuals opted to extend the festivities into a long weekend by taking a day off from work. Radhika Gupta, the Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, advocated for a week-long Diwali break for Indian workers, underscoring the Western tradition of enjoying an extended time-off during the Christmas season.

“In all my years living in the West, holiday season was long and extended. Christmas time off started after the 15th of December and continued through the New Year. In China, Chinese New Year has a long holiday,” Gupta had posted on X (formerly Twitter), a day before Diwali.

“Unfortunately, in India, Diwali holidays are usually 1 or 2 days in corporate offices.”

She pointed out that many people travel to be with their families during Diwali.

“While we can take the days off, is there a care for a longer festive break, maybe a week long one, as a country, so we can enjoy the festive season and family time without counting days?” Radhika Gupta said.