Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
International

President Biden to celebrate Diwali with Indian-Americans at White House today

Darpan News Desk IANS, 31 Oct, 2024 09:46 AM
  • President Biden to celebrate Diwali with Indian-Americans at White House today

US President Joe Biden will celebrate Diwali in the evening with a large number of Indian-Americans from across the country at the White House, his last as the President, the White House said in a statement.

The day promises to be a memorable tribute to Indian heritage and culture, emphasising the growing bond between the US and the Indian-American community.

Continuing a tradition from previous years, the President will light a Diya lamp in the Blue Room before his remarks, the White House said.

After this, he would deliver remarks before a gathering of Indian-Americans, for whom he is hosting a reception.

This would be President Biden's last Diwali reception at the White House as he is not running for the presidential election.

Among the President's introductions will be a video message from Sunita Williams, a decorated NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain.

She recorded a video greeting from the International Space Station (ISS), where she took over as Commander in September, the White House said.

Sunita Williams is a practising Hindu and has previously sent Diwali greetings from the ISS to people across the globe.

She has also brought multiple Indian/Hindu cultural items, including samosas and copies of Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita with her to space in celebration of her heritage, it said.

Nootana, a classical South Asian dance and music ensemble based in Washington, DC, will provide musical entertainment for guests, in addition to the Marine Corps Band, the White House added.

Last year after the Diwali celebration, the US President shared a video of the festivities on microblogging platform X in which he was seen lighting a diya with US First Lady Jill Biden at the White House.

"Today, Jill and I lit the diya to symbolise Diwali's message of seeking the light of wisdom, love, and unity over the darkness of hate and division. May we embrace the enduring spirit of this holiday and of our nation – and reflect on the strength of our shared light," he posted.

Photo courtesy of X.com/POTUS

 

MORE International ARTICLES

Quick-moving winter storm brings snow to Northeast, disrupting travel and schools

Quick-moving winter storm brings snow to Northeast, disrupting travel and schools
The storm quickly passed through the region, producing snowfall totals that were significant in some cities but much less than expected in others. New York City recorded just 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) of snow in Central Park, but areas of Pennsylvania and Connecticut were blanketed with 15 inches (38.10 centimeters) of fluffy snow, according to National Weather Service reports.

Quick-moving winter storm brings snow to Northeast, disrupting travel and schools

UK English test scandal: Indians, other foreign students renew bid to clear their names

UK English test scandal: Indians, other foreign students renew bid to clear their names
A group of international students, including many Indians, who had their visas revoked almost 10 years ago after accusations of cheating in English language tests in the UK, are making renewed efforts to clear their names. According to a report in The Guardian, fresh evidence has recently been presented in the court that questions the Home Office's cheating allegations against 35,000 international students.  

UK English test scandal: Indians, other foreign students renew bid to clear their names

India partners with Russia as it sees US as weak, doesn't trust it to lead: Haley

India partners with Russia as it sees US as weak, doesn't trust it to lead: Haley
Asserting that India has always played it smart, Indian-American Republican Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley said that the country partners with Russia as it doesn't trust the US to win and lead. In an interview with Charles Payne of Fox Business News, the 51-year-old former UN ambassador said that she has "dealt" with India and spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India partners with Russia as it sees US as weak, doesn't trust it to lead: Haley

Violence mars Pakistan polls, five cops killed

Violence mars Pakistan polls, five cops killed
At least five policemen were killed and six others injured in militant attacks in Pakistan, where polling for general elections is underway on Thursday. At least four police officials were killed and six others injured in a bomb attack on a police vehicle in Graha Aslam polling station in Dera Ismail Khan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, The Express Tribune reported.

Violence mars Pakistan polls, five cops killed

Man accused of stabbing Indian to death appears in NZ court

Man accused of stabbing Indian to death appears in NZ court
Appearing before Justice of the Peace, Helen Meiklejohn, at Dunedin District Court on Monday, the man, who was arrested on the same day, was granted interim name suppression. He was ordered to appear at the High Court on February 27 in connection with the murder of Gurjit Singh, the New Zealand Herald newspaper reported.

Man accused of stabbing Indian to death appears in NZ court

Fresh trouble for Sunak as Minister accused of giving Infosys 'VIP access': Report

Fresh trouble for Sunak as Minister accused of giving Infosys 'VIP access': Report
According to a Daily Mirror investigation, Trade Minister Dominic Johnson said he was "keen to see a bigger Infosys presence in the UK and would be happy to do what he could to facilitate that". The development comes as the Bengaluru-based firm founded by Akshata Murty's father vies for contracts in the UK worth 750 million pounds and plans to increase its workforce in its second-biggest market by 20 per cent to 6,000.

Fresh trouble for Sunak as Minister accused of giving Infosys 'VIP access': Report