Live
- GMR Airports Unveils AI-Powered Digital Twin Platform to Transform Airport Operations
- India poised to become leading maritime player: PM Modi
- Top Causes of Kidney Stones and How to Recognize Silent Symptoms
- India’s renewable energy capacity logs 14.2 pc growth at 213.7 GW
- Winter Session of Odisha Assembly adjourned sine die
- Biden calls Trump's tariff approach 'major mistake'
- After Drama Over Eknath Shinde’s Chief Minister Race, Maharashtra Cabinet Formation Faces New Tensions
- Egyptian FM, Blinken discuss recent developments in Syria
- Iran's supreme leader says Syria's developments result of US-Israeli 'plot'
- Elon Musk to Purchase $100 Million Luxury Mansion Next to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago, Report Reveals
Barack Obama wishes Indians 'happy Diwali'
Highlights
President Barack Obama Wishes Indians 'Happy Diwali'. President Barack Obama has wished Indians "a happy Diwali and saal mubarak", saying the festival reminded Americans that the US "is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger."
.jpg)
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama has wished Indians "a happy Diwali and saal mubarak", saying the festival reminded Americans that the US "is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger."
That's "why I'm proud that this year Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together for the first-ever celebration of Diwali on Capitol Hill," he said in a statement issued on Friday on the observance of Diwali.
Over the last five years, Obama noted, his spouse "Michelle and I have been honoured to have the chance to observe this ancient holiday, both at the White House and in India, and we wish all those celebrating this weekend a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak."
Like the previous years, the White House will have a Diwali celebration on Tuesday where "the First Lady will provide remarks."
Obama has since 2009 kept up the tradition of White House Diwali celebrations started by President George W Bush in 2003.
Last Tuesday, US lawmakers joined Indian-Americans for the first ever Diwali celebrations on Capitol Hill after the US Congress passed resolutions honouring the Indian festival of lights and celebrating the strong relationship between the US and India.
Here is Obama's full message:
"For the Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists celebrating Diwali this weekend, the Festival of Lights reaffirms the things in life that matter most.
"Dancing, celebration, and good food remind us that life's greatest joys are the simple pleasures that come from spending time with people we love.
"Contemplation and prayer remind us that that people of all faiths have an obligation to perform seva, or service to others. And the flame of the diya,or lamp, reminds us that light will ultimately triumph over darkness.
"Here in the United States, Diwali also reminds us that our nation is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger, which is why I'm proud that this year Democrats and Republicans in Congress joined together for the first-ever celebration of Diwali on Capitol Hill.
"Over the last five years, Michelle and I have been honoured to have the chance to observe this ancient holiday, both at the White House and in India, and we wish all those celebrating this weekend a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak."
Next Story
ADVERTISEMENT
