US President Joe Biden hosted a grand Diwali reception at the White House on Monday. In what could be termed the largest ever Diwali event in the White House since the George Bush administration. More than 200 eminent Indian Americans were present to mark the occasion. The Grand Diwali Reception at the White House witnessed captivating cultural performances by Sitarist Rishab Sharma, a traditional dance troupe- The Sa Dance Academy. All the guests were dressed in formal Indian attire and offered the aperitive Indian sweets to their fellow compatriots.
In her speech, First Lady Jill Biden was all praise for the Asian American community and marked the occasion as the light to the darkness. In her address, Jill Biden said – Why do we celebrate Diwali on the darkest night when the moon is the hardest to find? Because that’s when it is needed the most. An answer that strikes well with Hindu beliefs but could bring liberal wokes to apathy. The Vice President- Kamala Harris, followed her. Good over Evil, Knowledge over Ignorance was the sued moto of Ms Harris on the occasion’s significance. She recalled her fond memories of Diwali back in India.
President Biden was delighted to host the occasion. In his speech, he referred to Diwali as a crucial part of American culture. He showed his gratefulness to the south Asian diaspora across America for the optimism, courage and acceptance they have demonstrated in fulfilling the ideas of the American nation. He acknowledged the South Asians’ contribution to overcoming the pandemic, imbibing Hindu ethos in the children, being vocal about climate change and immigration and building the USA in the form of information, inspiration and entertainment. To sum up, Biden gave a strong message to celebrate the fest, connect with its essence and recall the power of light.
Atul Kashyap, President of the US India Business Council, was euphoric by the President’s recognition of the Indian American community. He said that it’s a privilege for the community to speak of what we have achieved. An event attendee, Ajay Jain Bhutoriya ( President of the Advisory Commission on Asian Americans) lauded the assimilation of Indian soft power with the USA due to its global significance. In recent times, the Biden-led Democrat government has appointed a record 130 Indo-Americans to serve at various levels of the Administration. Good enough to speak of the volume of Indian Americans.
