US President Joe Biden marked Diwali with a celebration at the White House, attended by over 600 prominent Indian Americans. The President expressed his honour at hosting the largest Diwali receptions at the White House during his tenure. He acknowledged the significant contributions of South Asian Americans in his administration, highlighting their key roles throughout his political career.
Biden mentioned figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy as examples of this commitment. Indian American youth activist Shrusti Amula introduced Biden at the event, followed by a speech from Vivek H. Murthy. Sunita Williams, a retired navy officer and NASA astronaut, also shared a video message from the International Space Station. Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr Jill Biden were not present due to campaign commitments.
Reflecting on the first Diwali celebration at the White House in 2016, Biden noted a resurgence of hostility towards immigrants, including South Asian Americans, similar to the sentiments present then. He reminisced about an event hosted by an Irish Catholic President, emphasising the United States’ tradition of embracing diverse cultures.
‘Diwali now celebrated openly and proudly’: US President #JoeBiden lights a diya at #WhiteHouse
Read here 🔗 https://t.co/JDbrssuhXg #Diwali pic.twitter.com/nehKT1SLEe
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) October 29, 2024
Biden lit the ceremonial diya in the Blue Room, expressing gratitude to the South Asian American community for their contributions to democracy in the US. He commented on the symbolic journey of light, from historical suspicion to today’s open and proud Diwali celebrations at the White House.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Times of India reports on President Biden’s lighting a diya at the White House to celebrate Diwali openly and proudly, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of the event.(read more)
- DevDiscourse highlights President Joe Biden hosting a historic Diwali celebration at the White House, emphasizing unity and diversity in American democracy with over 600 prominent Indian Americans in attendance.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who attended the Diwali celebration at the White House?
Over 600 prominent Indian Americans attended.
What did President Biden highlight about South Asian Americans?
He highlighted their significant contributions in his administration.
Why were Kamala Harris and Jill Biden absent from the event?
They were absent due to campaign commitments.
Who introduced President Biden at the Diwali event?
Indian American youth activist Shrusti Amula introduced him.
What did Biden say about hostility towards immigrants?
He noted a resurgence of hostility similar to 2016.
