Rama Krishna Sangem
US President Donald Trump participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House on October 21, Tuesday (local time) and extended his warm greetings to the people of India and Indian-Americans on the occasion. During initial remarks, the US President praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great person” and a “great friend”, while highlighting US-India ties in trade and regional.
This single event at White House lifted the moods of both American Indians and Indians across the US and back home. They all have heaved a sigh of relief as Trump softened his stubborn anti-Indian rhetoric of late and mingled with Indian diaspora at White House on the festival. This Diwali celebration at White House is looked up by NRIs in the US as they feel secure and confident in the country.
“Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade… He’s very interested in that. Although we did talk a little while ago about let’s have no wars with Pakistan. The fact that trade was involved, I was able to talk about that. And we have no war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing,” Trump said at the event.
Modi great person
“He’s (Modi)ia great person, and he’s become a great friend of mine over the years,” the US President added. On the occassion of Diwali, US President Donald Trump says, “Let me extend our warmest wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your Prime Minister today. Had a great conversation. We talked about trade… He’s very interested in that. Although we..”.
Highlighting the symbolic importance of the festival, President Trump said, ” In a few moments, we’ll light the diya as a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness… It’s knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. During Diwali, the revellers recall ancient stories of enemies defeated, obstacles removed, and captives freed.”
He further added that the Diya’s flame reminds everyone “to seek the path of wisdom and to work with diligence and to always give thanks for our many blessings.”
Prominent Indian Americans present
Following his initial remarks, Trump lit up the diyas to celebrate the festival at the White House. Number of senior officials from the Trump Administration were present during the event, including FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, Ambassador of India to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Ambassador of the US to India Sergio Gor.
A delegation of prominent Indian-American business leaders also attended the ceremony, reflecting the growing engagement of the Indian diaspora in US-India ties. The celebration at the White House underscores the cultural significance of Diwali inAmerican society and the close ties between the United States and India.
Earlier, US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution in the US House of Representatives to recognise the religious and historical significance of Diwali, which began on October 20.