Close X
Monday, November 25, 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

Trio pleads not guilty in Indian dairy worker's murder in NZ

Trio pleads not guilty in Indian dairy worker's murder in NZ
Justice Sally Fitzgerald set a trial date down for five weeks in May 2024. Of the three, a 34-year-old man has been charged with Patel's murder, as well as aggravated robbery. The other two -- Henry Fred and Shane Henry Tane -- have been accused of robbery.

Trio pleads not guilty in Indian dairy worker's murder in NZ

Aus biz operator fined $30k for not paying Indian worker

Aus biz operator fined $30k for not paying Indian worker
The FWO investigated after receiving a request for assistance from the Indian worker and issued compliance notice to Bhangu Pty Ltd. in September 2021. Thereafter, it secured a $30,000 penalty in court against the operator of the vehicle repair and maintenance business in Brisbane.

Aus biz operator fined $30k for not paying Indian worker

Sacked British-Indian cop says didn't know of husband's drug-dealing

Sacked British-Indian cop says didn't know of husband's drug-dealing
During raids at the couple's North London home twice in 2020, police found messages referring to 100 kg packages, cocaine parcels, evidence of drug exchanges, and a conversation about a possible gun deal. Cops also found drugs in a Louis Vuitton box under the couple's bed, as well as 27,000 pounds in cash at his home, apart from cannabis cultivation at the property.

Sacked British-Indian cop says didn't know of husband's drug-dealing

Indian-American doctor, mother of 5, dies in Houston car crash

Indian-American doctor, mother of 5, dies in Houston car crash
She was a faculty member at Baylor University and worked primarily at Harris Health clinics. Vettical was born in Kuwait in 1970, and received her medical degree from the University of Texas. She specialised in Internal Medicine.

Indian-American doctor, mother of 5, dies in Houston car crash

Indian may face jail term for illegally re-entering US

Indian may face jail term for illegally re-entering US
Ashok Kumar Prahladbhai Patel, 40, appeared before US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers on November 24, last year at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St Croix for pre-boarding inspection for his flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During his inspection, Patel presented a fraudulent Florida driver's license, according to court documents. 

Indian may face jail term for illegally re-entering US

Indian-origin driver gets 16 yrs jail for killing father, daughter in UK

Indian-origin driver gets 16 yrs jail for killing father, daughter in UK
Nitesh Bissendary, 31, lost control of his black Alfa Romeo in Leopold Street, Ramsgate, England on August 10, killing Yoram Hirshfeld, 81, and his pregnant daughter Noga Sella, 37, on the spot. Sella's husband, their son and daughter aged six and eight, were badly injured in the crash, which occurred when Bissendary's vehicle collided with the family's car. 

Indian-origin driver gets 16 yrs jail for killing father, daughter in UK