President Joe Biden is preparing for his final address to the Indian diaspora during a Diwali celebration. He will focus on the significance of the upcoming election and the vital contributions of Indian-Americans. This event is expected to draw considerable attention as it marks the last time President Biden will celebrate Diwali at the White House.
On Monday, President Biden hosted a grand Diwali celebration, expressing his greetings to Americans while honoring the South Asian American community. Over 600 prominent Indian Americans, including members of Congress, officials, and corporate leaders, attended, highlighting the festival's growing importance in American society.
The event featured vibrant colors, traditional performances, and an impressive guest list, underscoring Diwali's significance across the nation. Biden lit a diya in the Blue Room and praised the South Asian American community, calling it “the fastest-growing and most engaged community in the world.”
"The South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life," Biden said. He also noted that Diwali is now celebrated openly and proudly at the White House.
During his address, Biden reflected on America's journey toward unity, emphasizing that democracy thrives on diversity. "This is not my house; this is your house... In a country as diverse as ours, we debate, we dissent, but we never lose sight of how we got here and why," he said.
The White House Diwali celebration has a rich history, starting with President George Bush in 2003. The tradition continued with President Barack Obama, who famously lit a diya in the Oval Office. Biden previously hosted a Diwali reception at the vice president’s residence in 2016, and President Donald Trump maintained the tradition in 2017.
This year's celebration also included remarks from notable figures like US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and retired NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who sent a recorded message from the International Space Station.
In his closing remarks, Biden expressed his commitment to diversity and unity within his administration. "As President, I've been honored to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the White House," he said, highlighting the representation of America's diverse fabric through figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and Dr. Vivek Murthy.
In lighting the diya, Biden acknowledged the symbolic journey of light—central to Diwali—echoing a message of resilience. "In America, everything runs deep, especially the courage to serve, to heal, and to bear witness... to dare to dream," he stated.
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