Recently, the White House welcomed over 600 influential Indian Americans-from members of Congress corporate leaders, and community figures to a grand Diwali celebration. This annual event has presented an occasion for the White House to underscore the importance of Diwali and celebrate the manifold contributions of the South Asian American community. In his speech, Biden mentioned that it was an honor for him to host one of the biggest Diwali celebrations ever at the White House, as he demonstrated the commitment of his administration to inclusivity.
He started by mentioning the crucial roles South Asian Americans played in his administration: during all his years as a Senator, Vice President, and now President, he made sure that his staff had always included members from this community. He bragged about having a team that “looks like America,” referring to Vice President Kamala Harris and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy as the first from South Asian backgrounds. He particularly pointed out Harris, who was not only the first female Vice President but also the first of Indian heritage, which marked a major milestone for representation in the United States.
US President Biden, his wife lights Diya at white house to celebrate Diwali 🪔 pic.twitter.com/UpDGGVZWIV
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 14, 2023It’s interesting that Harris couldn’t attend, as this program was conflicting with the duties of the campaign; the same went for First Lady Dr. Jill Biden; while still campaign responsibilities weren’t a dulling in the air, Shrusti Amula, youth activist, Indian American welcomed Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. The Surgeon General and a video message from NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams, who is stationed at the International Space Station, gave the event a unique glow. Biden lit the ceremonial diya in the Blue Room; this was yet another moment symbolizing hope and unity, which are core values Diwali represents.
On a sobering note, Biden began to reflect on this, pointing out that this Diwali celebration also represents a reminder of a past not so easy. “There was this dark cloud,” he said, alluding to the prejudice and hostility toward immigrants, and in particular South Asians, that seemed to have emerged in 2016 and appeared to be resurfacing with the current climate. According to him, diversity is America’s strength, and Diwali allows a chance to celebrate the very diversity reminding everybody that this nation has the potential to “be the light” in moments of separation.
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I find this message of Biden to be quite apt at this point. People should be brought together as a whole, and in the present atmosphere, these types of events will always bring out America’s aspect of respecting the various cultures that exist in this great land. The decision to hold such a large-scale event is not just about lighting a diya; it is about sending a strong message to the South Asian American community and the broader public. He wants people to see that all cultures have a place in the White House, and by extension, in America.
Diwali at the White House! pic.twitter.com/eipgRuN4bR
— Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) October 28, 2024A poignant portion of his speech was when he called Diwali an “openly celebrated festival marking a journey from the shadow to the light apt metaphor for immigrant’s journey in America” and suggested that, beginning with the earliest days of the nation’s founding, suspicion towards outsiders had marked the country, but “now we see acceptance grow and pride in celebrating Diwali.”. As such, he explained that this underlines how much this country has traveled such a long way as the “beacon of hope” for so many still.
It is the President truly recognizing the community’s contribution to democracy. I think beyond the words, this statement reveals a strategic insight: the South Asian American community has grown leaps and bounds over the last few decades, and it represents an essential part of the nation’s fabric. They’re not only contributing economically, but they are also filling very critical roles in shaping policies, healthcare, and technology.
This event, in my opinion, also bears some political undertones. With the re-election campaign of Biden coming up, it makes for a good idea to seek to woo minority communities. Diwali being one of the most widely observed festivals for South Asians, serves as an excellent ground where reminders can be given to people about Biden’s views on diversity and inclusiveness that form two major themes of his government. That is an opportunity for him to connect directly with the community, meaning he respects and understands its culture.
Overall, the Diwali festival at the White House has been much more than an event; it is an event to emphasize on commitment to inclusion and multiculturalism by the American president in his times of power. Not only are South Asian Americans a significant force in the America of cultural expression, but they have also come to play such a key role in shaping the America of tomorrow. That this means celebrating Diwali, and thus fortifying the political relationship of an increasingly pivotal group within America, with one of the greatest powers that exist on this earth – the president – makes great sense.
Minutes by M31GlobalNews
