‘Festival has deeper meaning this year’
BIDEN AND HARRIS PRAISE FRONTLINE WORKERS AS TRUMP HAILS TRADITION
CONGRESSMAN Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced a resolution in the House of epresentatives recognising the religious and historical significance of Diwali.
In the US, more than four million Hindu, Sikh and Jain Americans of Indian descent celebrate the festival of lights.
Noting that Diwali is a significant festival celebrated by Indian-Americans, the bipartisan resolution recognised the historical and religious significance of Diwali. “For Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, the festival of Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, and in this time of challenge and uncertainty in the United States and across the world, this commemoration is as important as ever,” said Krishnamoorthi, who introduced the resolution last Friday (13).
Recognising and appreciating the religious diversity in both India and the US and throughout the world, the resolution acknowledged and supported the relationship of collaboration and respect between the two countries.
Senator John Cornyn, who is also co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, said as with many other holidays this year, noted that Diwali celebrations were quite different this year.
“But with large family gatherings on hold, we can still celebrate the abundance of good in this world. During this time of isolation, Diwali can help us focus on connection,” he said. “Even in the most uncertain of times, Diwali will help us see opportunity and good.”
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Congresswoman Judy Chu said Diwali commemorates the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. This is more important now than ever “as we work to heal the division in our nation and bring our communities closer,” she said.
US PRESIDENT-ELECT Joe Biden, his deputy Kamala Harris and incumbent President Donald Trump extended Diwali greetings to those celebrating the festival of lights.
“To the millions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating the Festival of Lights, @DrBiden and I send our best wishes for a #HappyDiwali. May your new year be filled with hope, happiness, and prosperity. Sal Mubarak,” Biden tweeted last Saturday (14).
Harris, who made history by becoming the first Indian American and black woman vice president in the US, also shared her festive greetings.
“Happy Diwali and Sal Mubarak! @ DouglasEmhoff and I wish everyone celebrating around the world a safe, healthy, and joyous new year,” the vice president-elect said on Twitter.
In a joint statement, Biden and Harris wished a happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the festival of lights across the US, India and the world.
“Like so many cherished traditions during the pandemic, we know this year’s Diwali and its symbolising of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and empathy over apathy arrives with a deeper meaning,” they said.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who is ushering in this new year with the recent loss of a loved one, or who finds themselves fallen on hard times. Our prayers remain with everyone fighting the pandemic on the frontlines instead of staying safe at home in prayer with their families. And, we know the sadness of being apart on a day that truly signifies the blessing of family and friendship,” they said.
“But Diwali is ultimately a reminder of the light that’s within us all to hope and dream, and to overcome our differences and keep the faith in each other. That’s the light we see shining on this day and that will guide us through the darkness with knowledge, science, truth, unity, and compassion.
“And that’s why as Diwali is celebrated via video calls and while socially distanced this year, we look forward to celebrating Diwali at the White House next year – in person, together with you, and in a nation healed and united.”
President Trump shared a photograph of him lighting a lamp in the White House along with Indian American members of his administration during the 2019 celebration, with the message ‘Happy Diwali’.
“During this Festival of Lights, friends, neighbours, and loved ones join in fellowship to commemorate the spiritual triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. As diyas are lit throughout homes, workplaces, communities, and places of worship, their warmth reminds us of the hope and devotion that faith and tradition bring into our lives,” Trump said in his Diwali greetings last Saturday.
“The United States is a deeply faithful nation, and I am proud of my administration’s work defending the constitutional right of all Americans to live and worship according to their conscience. Wherever Americans light diyas to celebrate Diwali, our Nation shines bright as a beacon of religious liberty for all people,” he said.
Vice-president Mike Pence greeted happy Diwali to all those celebrating the festival around the world.
Earlier, Secretary of the State Mike Pompeo extended greetings on Diwali. “Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the victory of light over darkness. May you have a joyous Festival of Lights!” tweeted Pompeo, who is on a sevennation tour to Europe and Middle East.
Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said, “As we open a new chapter after a critical election, I can think of no better time to call in the spirit of this Festival of Lights. Let it remind us that dharma-goodness, duty, righteousness-must always prevail.
“...let us continue to oppose the forces of hate, racism, and xenophobia that seek to divide us while also calling out injustice wherever we see it,” she said.