President Joe Biden celebrated Diwali at the White House on Monday, honoring the South Asian American community’s contributions to the United States. With an esteemed guest list of over 600 Indian American leaders, including members of Congress, government officials, and business executives, the event underscored Diwali’s growing importance in American culture.
During the celebration, President Biden lit the ceremonial diya in the White House’s Blue Room, calling the South Asian American community “the fastest-growing and most engaged community in the world.” He praised their impact, saying, “The South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life.”
In his reflection on America’s path toward diversity and unity, Biden emphasized the core of American democracy by stating that the house belongs to everyone, not just himself. He underscored the importance of debate and dissent while reminding listeners of the historical journey that brought the nation to its current state.
The tradition of Diwali celebrations at the White House began with President George Bush in 2003 and has been continued by subsequent administrations, including those of Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. This year, notable speakers included US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, while astronaut Sunita Williams sent a message from the International Space Station.
Biden’s concluding comments reinforced his dedication to maintaining a diverse administration, drawing parallels to the theme of resilience that is central to Diwali. He noted that in America, the values of courage, service, healing, and the willingness to bear witness run deep, along with the audacity to dream.
