Biden Celebrates Diwali at White House with South Asian American Leaders
On monday, the US President Joe Biden celebrated Diwali at the White House. This event shows a wide participation of over 600 Indian American leaders, congressmen, and executives. Biden expressed his pride in hosting one of the largest Diwali receptions at the White House that shows the significance of the occasion.
Joe Biden said, “As President, I’ve had the honor of hosting the biggest Diwali receptions here”. “South Asian Americans have been key members of my team through my years as a Senator, Vice President, and now President,” Biden shared with the attendees. He also expressed pride in his commitment to creating a diverse administration, mentioning Vice President Kamala Harris and US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy as key members of his team.
Youth activist Shrusti Amula opened the evening with an introduction. This was followed by messages from prominent Indian Americans, like Vice Admiral Vivek Murthy and astronaut Sunita Williams, who sent a message from the International Space Station. Vice President Harris and First Lady Jill Biden could not attend because they were busy with campaign commitments.
During the event Biden recalled about past Diwali celebration in India. He said that he had opened the White House for Diwali in 2016 to celebrate the holiday with Americans of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist backgrounds. He acknowledged the challenges are still exist by saying, “Dark clouds of hate and hostility toward immigrants, including South Asian Americans, have reappeared, but our strength lies in unity.”
The President lit the ceremonial diya in the Blue Room, honoring the South Asian American community’s contributions to democracy and celebrating the power of light over darkness in America. “This day reminds us of our journey toward inclusion and pride,” Biden said, concluding the celebration with a message of gratitude and hope.
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