Washington DC: US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali on the White Home on Tuesday, extending heat greetings to the individuals of India and Indian-Individuals. Through the occasion, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “nice particular person” and a “nice good friend”, whereas highlighting US-India ties in commerce and regional peace.
“Let me prolong our warmest needs to the individuals of India. I simply spoke to your prime minister immediately. Had an important dialog. We talked about commerce… He’s very considering that. Though we did speak a short while in the past about let’s don’t have any wars with Pakistan. The truth that commerce was concerned, I used to be in a position to speak about that. And now we have no conflict with Pakistan and India. That was a really, superb factor,” he stated, including that “he (PM Modi) is a good particular person, and he has grow to be an important good friend of mine over time”.
Highlighting the symbolic significance of Diwali, Trump stated, “In a number of moments, we are going to mild the diya as an emblem of religion within the victory of sunshine over darkness… It is data over ignorance and good over evil. Throughout Diwali, the revellers recall historic tales of enemies defeated, obstacles eliminated and captives freed.”
He additionally stated the diya’s flame “reminds everybody to hunt the trail of knowledge and to work with diligence and to all the time give thanks for our many blessings”.
Following his remarks, Trump lit the diyas on the White Home.
A number of senior officers attended, together with FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White Home Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Outstanding Indian-American enterprise leaders had been additionally current, reflecting the group’s rising engagement in US-India relations.
Earlier, US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick launched a bipartisan decision within the Home of Representatives to recognise Diwali’s spiritual and historic significance. The decision honours over three million Indian-Individuals, together with Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and displays the contributions of the diaspora in the USA.
“Diwali celebrates the triumph of sunshine over darkness and good over evil. For the thousands and thousands of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains right here in the USA celebrating with pals, household and family members, it’s my hope that this bipartisan decision brings our communities collectively and evokes us to see the sunshine on this planet and overcome the challenges we face,” Krishnamoorthi stated.
Fitzpatrick emphasised the common values of Diwali. “Diwali speaks to the enduring human perception that mild will all the time conquer darkness, that reality will outlast concern, and that unity is our power,” he stated.
He additionally praised the Indian-American group’s contributions in Pennsylvania and nationwide, calling native Mandirs “essential group pillars of religion, service and unity”.
The decision highlights Diwali as a competition of thanksgiving, a time to hope for well being, data and peace and to mild oil lamps that symbolise the internal mild driving away ignorance.
It additionally emphasises its significance for Sikhs, marking Guru Hargobind’s launch from Mughal captivity, and for Jains, commemorating Lord Mahavira’s attainment of Nirvana.
Diwali is a five-day competition beginning with Dhanteras, when individuals buy jewelry or utensils and worship the gods. The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali. The third day is the principle celebration with prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, and the fifth day, Bhai Dooj, sees sisters pray for his or her brothers’ lengthy and glad lives whereas brothers give presents in return.
The White Home celebration highlights Diwali’s cultural significance in America and the enduring bonds between the USA and India.