President Joe Biden held a Diwali celebration at the White House, which saw the participation of over 600 distinguished Indian Americans, including members of Congress, government officials, and corporate leaders from various parts of the nation. Biden expressed his pride in hosting what he described as the largest Diwali receptions in the history of the White House, emphasizing the significance of this event to him personally. He acknowledged the contributions of South Asian Americans to his administration, highlighting key figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris and Dr. Vivek Murthy, who have been integral to his team. Although Vice President Harris and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were unable to attend due to their campaign commitments, the event featured remarks from notable attendees, including Vice Admiral Murthy and astronaut Sunita Williams, who shared a message from the International Space Station. Reflecting on the past, Biden recalled the challenges faced by immigrants, particularly South Asian Americans, during a period of increased hostility that began in late 2016. He recounted how he and Jill hosted their first Diwali reception at the Vice President’s residence during that time, symbolizing a commitment to inclusivity. He noted the significance of an Irish Catholic President opening his home to celebrate the diverse traditions of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, and others, reinforcing the idea that America embodies the strength to be a beacon of light for all.
Biden, during a ceremonial lighting of the diya in the Blue Room of the White House, emphasized the significant contributions of the South Asian American community to the fabric of American society. He remarked, “That is the truth,” highlighting that this community is among the fastest-growing and most actively engaged in the nation today. He reflected on the symbolism of light, noting that while the early days of the nation were marked by suspicion, the celebration of Diwali in the White House today represents a profound transformation. He acknowledged that the country is currently at a pivotal moment, one that occurs only once every few generations, where the choices made today will shape the future for decades to come. Biden urged the importance of recognizing the fragility of the American ideal, asserting that it is not something to be taken for granted. He further articulated that American democracy has always been a challenging endeavor, particularly in a nation characterized by its diversity, where debate and dissent are integral to progress through compromise and consensus. Biden stressed the necessity of remembering the historical journey that has led to the present moment. Drawing from his 50 years of public service, he expressed a deep-seated confidence in America, describing it as a nation with a heart and soul that encompasses both tradition and innovation. He concluded by stating that the essence of America is rooted in the courage to serve, protect, and dream, and he has endeavored to embody that spirit throughout his presidency, aiming to navigate the country through one of its most challenging periods while fostering connections between generations.