The White House celebrated Diwali with more than 150 guests

WASHINGTON, October 19, 2006
NRI press

Karen Hughes, under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, with more than 150 guests ( many NRI popular leaders and members of the NRI American community) inaugurated Diwali at a special White House ceremony October 19.

(Janine Sides/State Dept.)

Among the 150 guests attending the ceremony were Bhishma Agnihotri, who delivered the invocation, and several prominent representatives of the Indian/American community, like Dr. Parveen Chopra, a vice chairman and commissioner of the Nassau County, New York, Commission on Human Rights.

Hughes told her audience that Indian-Americans, who number between 1.5 and 3 million, make a great contribution to the economic and political well-being of the United States. And she highlighted the "humanity, compassion and prosperity," which all Americans share with them.

Karen Hughes inaugurated Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, at a special White House ceremony
October 19.(Janine Sides/State Dept.)

She said that "the themes of Diwali transcend" religion and ethnicity and the spirit of the holiday reminded her of a saying from her childhood: "The smile on your face is the light in the window that tells people you are at home."

As a State Department official, Hughes, who described her job in public diplomacy as "reaching out to the rest of the world in a spirit of respect and partnership," added, "I'm confident a bright future is ahead for U.S.-Indian relations."

President Bush sent a message to the gathering noting, "Every year during Diwali, Hindus remember their many blessings and celebrate their hope for a brighter future. The Festival of Lights demonstrates the rich history and traditions of the Hindu faith as friends and family come together in a spirit of love and joy. This celebration unites people around the world in goodwill and reminds us of the many cultures that enrich our nation.”

Commenting on U.S.-Indian relations, Bush said during a March visit to that country, “India in the 21st century is a natural partner of the United States because we are brothers in the cause of human liberty.”

Diwali was celebrated in the White House, first time in 2003

The White House Diwali ceremony featured an array of traditional Indian foods.

(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State).