More than two dozen lawmakers and prominent Indian Americans celebrated Diwali at the Capitol, the first major event in the US Congress after last week’s presidential election.
The annual “Diwali on Capitol Hill” on Tuesday (November 12, 2024) was organized by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in association with several other Indian American organizations including the Hindu Foundation of America, Sikhs for America, the Jain Association of North America, and Art of Living.
President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office after winning the presidential election last week.
Speaking at the Diwali celebration, Senator Rand Paul said that the US is a country of immigrants that attracts the best and brightest from around the world, saying that they join together to make America a great country.
“I am a more legal immigration lawyer and I have a lot of bills to expand, and I will continue to work on it. Happy Diwali,” said Ms. Paul.
Greeting the Indian Americans at the event, Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said she is looking forward to the next four years. “We just want to provide prosperity for this country, for people who want to find something new, to do something new,” he said.
“We just want to encourage you that we want to have a stable atmosphere. We want a great economy. We want a safe place for everyone to raise your family,” he said, at the meeting which also included India’s Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra .
“This is an Indian festival that is embraced and celebrated around the world. Your presence here, the presence of so many congressmen and senators has made it all the more special. It is a reflection of our commitment to the relationship. Your presence there is a reflection of your important role in place of this festival in the relationship,” said Mr. Kwatra in his speech.
Congressman Shri Thanedar, who was re-elected from the thirteenth Congressional district in Michigan last month, said that in his first term he was able to form a Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist caucus for the first time in Congressional history.
“There’s a lot to do. I’m working with the State Department on attacks on Hindu temples and making sure our communities are protected across America. I’m also working with the State Department on atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh,” Mr. Thanedar said.
Congressman Tom Souzzi of New York cited the recent attack on a Hindu temple on Long Island. “I spoke on the floor of Congress, and I said that when Indian Americans, Hindu Americans, put their hands together like this and say namaste, they are really acknowledging the divinity and respect for the person in front of them, and we need more of that in our country today, ” he said.
In his speech, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said, “You are the fastest growing ethnic minority in America. You are the most prosperous, the most educated.” Words of support tonight came from members of Congress who appreciate every time you take time, not just in this Diwali event for another good year, but in a year that has been monumental in growth and opportunity to be. many of you in the United States,” Congressman Pete Sessions said.
Congressman Dan Meuser recalled the joint address to Congress by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year and said he did a great job.
“It stays with me just how well he said about the importance of American Indian relations, how it is necessary to improve for economic reasons, and for reasons of national security, and overall peace for our world,” he said.
“Our relationship will continue to grow. It’s very important. We have a new president and a new Senate. We hope to unite, work together, find common ground, and do what’s best for the United States, for India, for the world, said Mr. Meuser.
Former majority leader House Congressman Steny Hoyer applauded the contribution of American Indians to the progress of the country. “On this Diwali, I am here to thank everyone. America is stronger and better for you who come from India and who love America and who serve its citizens,” he said.
“We know that the American Indian community is one of the success stories. It is part of an incredible economic spirit and many communities … for families across America who recognize and celebrate Diwali, we salute you tonight,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens .
Published – November 14, 2024 11:36 IST
