Destined to be one of the biggest such events, President Joe Biden Celebrates Diwali at White House on Monday, honoring Indian American contributions and embracing diversity. Biden was joined by over 600 Indian-American leaders, politicians, and other distinguished personalities and Twitter sites and vowed the Indian-American community’s active contribution is highly appreciated by the composite of American society.
“It’s a privilege to be hosting the biggest Diwali celebration here at the White House,” Biden said, to an audience that included several Indian-American congressmen, CEOs, and other leaders.
“South Asian Americans… have not only contributed to American culture… but also… to the development of American democracy… including volunteer work… and serving in my administration.”
The speech was part and parcel of this celebration, as many other worthy Indian Americans also joined the event. Even U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who is well admired for his LED leadership in health, also contributed a message of encouragement to the community. NASA astronaut Sunita Williams from the International Space Station recorded a video to underline the universality and success of Indian Americans. Shrusti Amula, an activist for young people, presented Biden, which means that the generating generation can exert considerable pressure and change something.
Biden then took a while to review his letter of diversity policy. From Kamala Harris, a trailblazer and the first Black VP to serve in 244 years, to Dr. Murthy and everyone in between, I’ve offered an America that mirrors America. Today, we are glad to have so many of you here, who embody the hope of Diwali,” I said to them.
Biden said that the spirit of Diwali, where light has vanquished the darkness, is the journey of the United States too. He was also reminded of the Diwali reception at the White House in 2016, where he said, “An Irish Catholic president embraced the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh way of life by hosting this festival in his home away from home.” Recalling that contentious events have threatened this unity in recent years, he urged the audience to continue pushing for an even better country.
The event peaked when Biden lit the traditional diya in the Blue Room much to the encouragement of warm applause and cheers. In his call for support to the diya, he described it as ‘a symbol of hope, strength, and a long journey of immigrants who have defined the American dream.’
When noting the development of American society since the establishment of the state, the president pointed out that the symbolism of Diwali has become even brighter. “Thus, in moments when the shades of fear and doubt loom large, Diwali teaches us to be that light for one another,” he continued before emphasizing that he wants to see this change shortly.
Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden could not attend the event due to campaigning, but they were appreciated for their effort in diversity within the White House administration. Finally, Biden expressed his appreciation to the Indians in the United States and thanked them for the service they are contributing to American democracy and for showcasing their cultural history.
