US President Joe Biden celebrated Diwali at the White House on Monday night. According to news agency PTI, more than 600 Indian-Americans participated in it. Addressing Indian-American lawmakers, officials and business leaders, Biden said it was an honor for him to host the biggest Diwali event at the White House.
Biden said he has worked with a large number of Indian-Americans during his tenure as president, vice president and senator. Biden said the South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life. It is the fastest growing community in the world. Diwali is now proudly celebrated at the White House.
However, this time Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden could not attend the Diwali celebrations. Jill and Kamala want to be here, but they are busy campaigning, Biden said.
At the same time, Sunita Williams wished Diwali through a video message from the International Space Station in space.
Sunita Williams sent greetings from the ISS to the White House and everyone celebrating Diwali around the world.
Sunita said in her message-
This year I got a unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali on the space station 400 km above the earth. My father always taught us about Diwali and other Indian festivals and kept us connected to our cultural roots. Diwali is a moment of happiness because goodness prevails in the world.
Diwali started in the White House during George Bush's tenure According to ANI, the tradition of celebrating Diwali first started in 2003 in the White House during the tenure of then US President George Bush. However, he was never personally involved. In 2009, Barack Obama celebrated Diwali privately at the White House after becoming President.
Some pictures related to Diwali celebrations at the White House…
President Barack Obama celebrated Diwali at the White House every year during his tenure from 2009 to January 2017. This photo is from 2016.
Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House every year during his tenure from 2017 to January 2021. This photo is from 2016.
2021: US President Biden was seen lighting lamps on Diwali with his wife Jill Biden. They celebrated Diwali in a similar manner in 2022 as well.
4.8 million people of Indian origin in America According to a survey by the American think tank Pew Research Center, there are 54 lakh people of Indian origin in America. 48% of them are Hindus. There are 6-18% of Indian-Americans in 10 districts in 6 states. Their population is highest in California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, Illinois.
There is a record of more than 130 Indians being appointed in important positions in the Biden administration. Apart from this, about 38% of doctors in America are of Indian origin. Indian-Americans are the highest earning ethnic group in the US.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
