US president Joe Biden on Monday hosted the biggest Diwali reception ever which also saw the presence of several Indian Americans at the White House.
"We are honoured to host you. This is the first Diwali reception of this scale in the White House ever to be held. We have more Asian Americans than ever before in history and we want to thank you for making the Diwali celebration a joyous part of American culture," Joe Biden said.
Biden later thanked the Asian American community in the US for making the Diwali celebration a joyous part of American culture, reports NDTV.
Facebook/The White HouseHe noted: “Jill and I wish a happy Diwali to the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating this Festival of Lights in the United States, India, and around the world. As we host the official White House Diwali reception, we are honored to light the diya surrounded by members of the most diverse Administration in American history—led by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black American and South Asian American to become Vice President.
ReutersThe US president also thanked the optimism, courage, and empathy demonstrated by the incredible South Asian community all across America.
Ritu and I were touched that @POTUS invited our children to join him on stage during the historic Diwali celebration at the White House. It's a testament to this President's belief in the future.
— Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) October 25, 2022
The President was right. I did marry up and the kids are our light. pic.twitter.com/mFL9GUDRne
“But, even as we celebrate this gathering of light, we know—as this community has experienced too often—that there is always darkness lurking. American history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh reality that we have never fully lived up to it. By marking the victory of light over darkness, Diwali is a reminder that each of us has the power to bring light to the world, whether here in America or around the world.
ReutersWith prayers, dances, fireworks, and sweets, may all who observe Diwali enjoy the chance to celebrate and connect, to feel the pride of community, and to remember the power in the gathering of light.
Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights" and is observed incessantly for five days.
