attended by more than 600 eminent Indian-Americans, including Congressman Shri Thanedar, US Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek H Murthy and Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden hosted an annual Diwali celebration at the White House, attended by over 600 prominent Indian-Americans, including Congressman Shri Thanedar, U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, and Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The event featured a special video message from NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who is currently commanding the International Space Station after assuming her role in September. During the Monday night celebration, President Biden emphasized the festival’s significance and celebrated the diversity of his administration, which includes Vice President Kamala Harris and Surgeon General Murthy.
“As President, I’ve been honored to host the largest Diwali reception ever at the White House. This means a great deal to me. Throughout my career—as a Senator, Vice President, and now President—South Asian Americans have been vital members of my team. From Kamala to Dr. Murthy to so many of you here today,” Biden stated to a standing-room-only crowd in the East Room.
Gita Gopinath shared her Diwali wishes, hoping for a joyous and prosperous year for everyone, while Congressman Thanedar expressed aspirations for the first “desi” President of the U.S. “This is such an exciting event,” he said, noting Biden’s lighting of a diya to mark the celebration’s start. “Indian-Americans are making significant contributions across all fields, including politics. Very soon, we will have our first ‘desi’ President, Kamala Harris.”
When asked about his Diwali plans, Thanedar emphasized his campaign efforts in Michigan, a crucial swing state. “Without Michigan, no one could be President. I’m going door-to-door to explain why people should vote for Kamala Harris.”
Other attendees echoed the sentiment of pride in their community’s accomplishments and the importance of the upcoming presidential elections. One guest noted the special significance of this year’s celebrations, with many friends actively campaigning.
Despite the absence of Vice President Harris and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden due to campaign commitments, the event continued with remarks from Vice Admiral Murthy and a heartfelt message from Williams. In her video, Williams expressed joy at celebrating Diwali from space and highlighted her father’s teachings about cultural traditions.
Biden concluded by thanking the Indian-American community for their contributions and celebrating the longstanding tradition of Diwali at the White House, which began under President George W. Bush in 2003 and was briefly interrupted during the 2018 midterm elections.
