At the US Capitol, over two dozen lawmakers and prominent Indian Americans gathered to celebrate Diwali, marking the first major post-election event in Congress. The “Diwali at Capitol Hill” celebration, hosted on November 12, was organized by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in collaboration with Indian American organizations including the Sikhs for America, Hindu American Foundation, Art of Living, and the Jain Association of North America.
President-elect Donald Trump, who was recently elected, is preparing to assume office. During the Diwali event, Senator Rand Paul emphasized the identity of America as a nation that draws talented immigrants from all over the world, which contributes to its strength and success. Paul expressed his commitment to supporting lawful immigration through legislation and concluded his address with warm Diwali greetings.
Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith also shared her Diwali wishes, focusing on her vision for a prosperous America in the coming years. She expressed a desire to create a country where individuals could seek new opportunities and build a stable economy. Her speech, which was well received, included a call for a safe and supportive environment for families. India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, was present at the event as well.
Congressman Shri Thanedar, re-elected from Michigan’s 13th district, highlighted his first term achievements, notably establishing new caucuses for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in Congress. He also discussed ongoing efforts to address security concerns related to attacks on Hindu temples in the US, as well as his advocacy for the rights of Hindus in Bangladesh.
New York Congressman Tom Suozzi spoke out about recent attacks on a Hindu temple in Long Island. He underscored the value of the respectful “namaste” greeting commonly used by Hindu Americans, suggesting it could serve as a model for broader American values. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi highlighted the significant and growing contributions of Indian Americans, noting that one in seven doctors in the US is of Indian descent. Congressman Pete Sessions also acknowledged their positive impact.
Reflecting on US-India relations, Congressman Dan Meuser recalled Prime Minister Modi’s address to Congress, emphasizing the importance of a strong India-US partnership. Meuser reiterated his commitment to bolstering economic and national security ties between the two nations under the new administration.
Congresswoman Haley Stevens celebrated the achievements of the Indian American community, recognizing their cultural and economic contributions to the vibrancy of American society.
