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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 01, 2024 | The Indian Eye 24

Historic Diwali Celebration held at Minnesota

State Capitol with the Lieutenant Governor

OUR BUREAU na representing the Association of In-
dians in America (AIA) in Minnesota
Minnesota
worked with the governor’s office in
uesday, October 15th marked bringing Diwali to the State Capitol
a historic moment for Indian for the second year.
TAmericans across the State of Gopal Khanna, former National
Minnesota as the leadership from the Vice President of the Association of
community celebrated Diwali at the Indians in America (AIA) said “AIA
state capitol in Saint Paul, Minnesota national continues to work in further-
with Lt. Governor Peggy Flannigan. ing its motto - “Indian Heritage and
This marks the second celebration in American Commitment.” He added,
two years, putting the State on track “AIA was at the forefront in starting
to institutionalizing DIWALI celebra- public celebration of Diwali in main-
tion as an annual event at the State stream settings as well as The White
Capitol. House. And, and now by doing so at
The celebration began with the the state and local levels, it should re-
recitation of opening prayers by Chief mind Indian Americans nationwide
Priest Murali Bhattarji of the Hindu (L-R) AIA Diwali Coordinator Peggy Flanagan, Rep Robbins, Lt Governor Flanagan with HSMN of the significance and importance
Society of Minnesota (HSMN). A Chair Ganesh Ram lighting of the traditional Diwali lamp of sharing our heritage with fellow
bhajan of Lord Rama was sung by Americas. The world needs, now
Shruti Rajasekar, (her affiliation), more than ever before, the profound
with the audience members joining in values enshrined in Diwali celebra-
and creating a welcoming spiritual en- tion of light over darkness and bring
vironment consistent with the age old peace to the world.”
traditions of Sanatam Dharm. “The historic Diwali celebration
Following the devotional song, at the Minnesota State Capitol serves
Siddhi Tantry, a junior at Wayzata as a reminder of the values of unity,
High School, performed a traditional cultural appreciation, and religious
Indian classical dance. Several other freedom that make Minnesota a wel-
high schoolers also attended the event coming and inclusive state,” said Val-
and volunteered their time. “We need labha Tantry, coordinator of the event.
to encourage and engage our children “Lessons learned from AIA’s work on
in important community events and establishing Diwali in New York and
prepare the next generation to lead,” The White House helped us in plan-
said Vallabha Tantry, who was the ning what we could do at the state lev-
AIA coordinator of Minnesota State MN youth Siddhi Tantry performing at the Diwali at the State Capitol event el.” She continued, “It’s good to see
Diwali function. “Amongst others, this tradition continues in Minnesota.”
guests included leaders from the Hin- cans who live in Minnesota, Lt. Gov- ing October as The Hindu Heritage Khanna added, “Now we need to
du Society of Minnesota, BAPS, India ernor Peggy Flannigan said, “As a Month. The proclamation acknowl- get purposefully engaged in our country
Association of Minnesota (IAM), and parent, I know that creating a better edges the millions of Hindu, Sikhs, and fulfill AIA’s mission of “American
the Jain Community Center making it place for our young people, that it is Jains, and Buddhist followers living in Commitment” and become an integral
a very inclusive celebration.” Eminent vitally important to ensure that our the United States and the vibrant In- part of the American experiment.” He
leaders from the Business, Arts and youngest people know about our fam- dian community in Minnesota. continued, “to achieve that goal we
Music, and community-at-large were ily stories, their traditions, their iden- It highlights the immense contri- need to first register and vote. Second,
also part of the second Diwali event at tity, and they take pride in that iden- butions made by Indian Americans volunteer and give back to the local
the State Capitol. tity and can celebrate their heritage.” in various fields, including science, communities we live in. And, third,
Minnesota State Representatives In her heartfelt remarks welcoming education, medicine, law, politics, and most importantly, help the next
Kristin Robbins and Ginny Klevorn, the community leaders, Lt. Governor business, technology, culture, and generation become servant leaders.”
and other public officials welcomed Peggy Flannigan emphasized the im- sports. This proclamation signifies the The vote of thanks for the event
and greeted the guests and expressed portance of embracing diversity and cultural richness and diversity that the was delivered by Ms. Aditi Jha, a
great enthusiasm for having the op- the role that the community plays Indian American community brings sophomore at Edina High School.
portunity of celebrate Diwali with in making Minnesota great. The Lt. to Minnesota. Expressing pride in the Diwa-
the Hindu Community. Lauding the Governor also stressed the signifi- Lt. Governor Flannigan was li celebration at the State Capitol
contributions of the Indian American cance of identity and celebrating your joined by AIA Coordinator Vallabha in Minnesota, Govind Munjal, AIA
community as an exemplar in inte- culture and heritage, as well as the Tantry, state representatives Kristin National President said, “We remain
grating and building trust, she said “I responsibility to ensure that every- Robbins and Ginny Klevorn, as well committed to working with commu-
join you in celebrating light overcom- one feels seen, heard, and welcomed. as the chairman of the Hindu Society nity leaders all across the country to
ing the darkness.” Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic of Minnesota, Ganesh Ram, to light support cultural activities like Diwa-
Lauding the contributions made Party nominee for Vice President, is- the traditional Deya. li that bring happiness and joy to all
by some 40,000 plus Indian Ameri- sued a special Proclamation declar- Vallabha Tantry and Gopal Khan- Americans.”

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