South Asian Americans Have Woven Diwali Traditions Into The Fabric Of Our Nation: Biden

WASHINGTON, DC (ANI) – President Joe Biden extended his wishes on Diwali and said that the Diwali message of seeking the light of wisdom and love has helped his nation “emerge stronger”.

Biden wrote a heartfelt Diwali message, saying, “Over the course of generations, South Asian Americans have woven Diwali traditions into the fabric of our nation, symbolizing the message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of ignorance, hate, and division. It’s a message that has helped our nation emerge stronger from the past few difficult years and matters now more than ever.

He said, “On this Diwali, may we reflect on the strength of our shared light and embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation. To the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating in America and around the world, we wish you a happy Diwali.”

On Diwali, foreign diplomats and world leaders extended their greetings with their special messages including UK PM Rishi Sunak, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Norway PM Gohr Store, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Singapore Deputy PM Lawrence Wong, and many other foreign diplomats and leaders.

“With the lighting of the Diyas, let this be a moment we can look to the future with hope. My guiding light as Prime Minister is the determination to change things for the better, and as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness, I believe Diwali is a poignant representation of the endeavor for a brighter tomorrow,” the message added.

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti celebrated Diwali for the first time in India and expressed his delight as he enjoyed dance, food, and music with his colleagues in India.

Taking to X, Garcetti said, “Delighted to celebrate #Diwali with dance, food, and music with my colleagues for the first time here in India! At this auspicious time, may the festival of light bring you happiness and prosperity in the new year!”

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green also extended his wishes on Diwali and shared videos of celebrating Diwali.

Meanwhile, German envoy to India, Philipp Ackermann extended his greeting and wrote Diwali wishes with, “truckload of mithai!”

Ackermann said, “Wishing you a sparkling happy Diwali filled with joy, laughter, and a truckload of mithai! May the festival of lights brighten your day and sweeten your life”?

Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid gave his greetings saying, “We congratulate everyone celebrating Diwali around the world… Wishing them a very prosperous and joyful festival.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on November 7 attended a Diwali event where lighted lamps to celebrate the ‘festival of lights’ on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese also shared his Diwali message saying, “As the lights of Deepavali shine across Australia, I’m delighted to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating.”

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended Diwali wishes to people in Tamil on November 12.

Taking to X, Wong shared a video that showed him learning how to play the sitar.

Moreover, Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store shared a video to extend his Diwali wishes to the Hindu community in Norway.