India Today at President Biden’s Diwali party

The event also featured a recorded video message from Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, who is presently at the International Space Station, where she assumed command in September.

At the event on Monday night, the President highlighted the significance of the festival and praised the diversity of his administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris and US Surgeon General Vice Admiral Murthy.

“As President, I’ve been honoured to host the biggest Diwali reception ever at the White House. To me, it means a great deal. As Senator, Vice President, and President, South Asian Americans have been key members of my staff. From Kamala to Dr. Murthy to so many of you here today,” Biden said in a standing-only packed East Room of the White House.

“I’m proud that I kept my commitment to having an administration that looks like America.”

Meanwhile, India Today’s Rohit Sharma spoke to several members of the Indian-American community, including Congressman Thanedar and IMF’s Gita Gopinath, who shared their insights into the White House event and the festival of lights.

While Gita Gopinath extended her Diwali greetings and wished for a joyous and prosperous year for all, Thanedar expressed hopes for a first “desi” President of the US.

“This is such an exciting event, President Biden lit the diya. This is a celebration of the Indian-American community. Indian-Americans are doing so much (in the US) in every walk of life, including politics. And very soon, we will have our first ‘desi‘ President, Kamala Harris. This is an amazing accomplishment for the community,” Thanedar, who represents Michigan’s 13th congressional district, told India Today.

He was referring to the tradition of the President lighting a diya in the Blue Room at the White House, which officially marks the start of the celebrations.

When asked about how he was going to celebrate Diwali, the Congressman said, “By delivering Michigan to Kamala Harris. We are working very hard… Without Michigan, no one could be President. I am campaigning, going door-to-door telling people why they should vote for Kamala Harris.”

Michigan is one of the seven swing states in the US that could be won by either of the Democratic or Republican candidates by a swing in the number of votes.

Another Indian-American attendee told India Today that the Diwali event made her feel special as it was not only a celebration of the festival, but also of the community.

“This year is also very special because a lot of my friends are campaigning for the presidential elections. We know it’s a very important year, with some very important choices to make. The fact that Diwali is just round the corner and with the elections coming up next week, this doubles the excitement,” she said.

One other attendee expressed hopes that, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election, the South Asian community and all other minorities will be represented well by a powerful voice in the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr Jill Biden could not attend the event as they are on the campaign trail.

Biden’s remarks were preceded by Vice Admiral Murthy; NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who sent a recorded video message from the International Space Station; and Shrusti Amula, an Indian-American Youth Activist who introduced the President.

“Thank You to the President and the Vice President for celebrating Diwali with our community today and for recognising the many contributions of our community.”

Diwali events at the White House began in 2003 under then President George W Bush’s administration. The diya lighting tradition was carried on till 2017 by former President Donald Trump.

In 2018, however, the 15-year-long Diwali tradition was temporarily disrupted due to the crucial mid-term elections.