BAPS Holds Diwali Event On Capitol Hill
Rep.Brad Sherman (D-CA) (right) and American Jewish Committee Board of Governors member Robert Peckar (center) light the lamp.
India-West Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON, DC – BAPS Public Affairs and multiple partner organizations, including the Hindu American Foundation, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Federation of Jain Associations in North America, the American Jewish Committee, the U.S. Indian Community Foundation, the U.S. India Security Council Inc, and the Indian American Relations Council convened on Capitol Hill to celebrate Diwali.
Over 300 members of the Indian American community from across the United States gathered at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, joining members of Congress in the celebration.
Senators and U.S. Representatives that attended the celebration included Sen. Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming), Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10), Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-32), Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Dan Meuser (PA-09), Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani. Also in attendance were Roberts Peckar, Member of the Board of Governors of the American Jewish Committee, and Jag Mohan, Minister of Community & Personnel at the Embassy of India.
Elected representatives present at the celebration passionately emphasized the vital role of diversity in their constituencies. They underscored the profound impact of sharing cultural traditions and celebrations, like Diwali, in promoting a deeper understanding, fortifying community strength, and building connections among diverse populations.