Page 34 - The Indian EYE110824

BUSINESS EYE NOVEMBER 08, 2024 | The Indian Eye 34

US-India Strategic Partnership Forum

celebrates Diwali in Washington DC

Indian envoy to the US Vinay Kwatra and Ambassador Richard R Verma reflected

on the shared values and strong bonds driving our partnership forward

OUR BUREAU Diwali lights shine worldwide, USI-
SPF remains committed to strength-
Washington, DC
ening the ties that bind the U.S. and
S-India Strategic Partner- India, fostering a brighter future for
ship Forum hosted a Di- both nations.
Uwali reception at the iconic The US-India Strategic Partner-
Kennedy Center in Washington DC, ship Forum (USISPF), formed in
bringing together dignitaries, senior 2017, is an independent non-profit,
government officials, ambassadors non-governmental, and non-parti-
and prominent members of the DC san organization headquartered in
community to celebrate the “Festival Washington DC, with offices across
of Lights.” both countries.
The event underscored the
strong and growing bond between Earlier on October 29, US Pres-
the United States and India, as well ident Joe Biden extended Diwa-
as the rich cultural traditions that Di-
wali represents. li greetings to the people, high-
Distinguished guests included lighting its significance, and
the Indian Ambassador to the Unit-
ed States, and the Deputy Secretary acknowledged that today, the
of State for Management and Re- festival is proudly celebrated
sources Richard R Verma.
The event highlighted Diwali’s in the White House.
message of light triumphing over
darkness, symbolizing the strength- Highlighting the contributions
ening collaboration between the US of the South Asian American com-
and India. munity to the fabric of American
Mukesh Aghi, President and life, Biden said the community is the
CEO of USISPF, spoke about the The event highlighted Diwali’s message of light triumphing over darkness, symbolizing the fastest-growing and most engaged
deepening ties between our nations, strengthening collaboration between the US and India (ANI photos) community in the world. The Pres-
while Indian envoy to the US Vinay ident also spoke to the moment’s
Kwatra and Ambassador Richard R Against the stunning backdrop discussions on the future of India-US significance, noting that the country
Verma reflected on the shared values of iconic Kennedy Centre, guests relations. is facing an “inflection point” and
and strong bonds driving our part- enjoyed cultural performances, tra- USISPF extends heartfelt Diwali reminding attendees not to take the
nership forward. ditional Indian cuisine and inspiring greetings to everyone celebrating. As ‘Idea of America’ for granted.

Gita Gopinath praises ‘Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare’ played at White House

OUR BUREAU flowers, and many guests were seen tributions of the Indian American li.” the post added.
wearing traditional Indian attire. community. Recently, the American First
Washington, DC
“Wonderful to hear the White Garcetti shared a post on X and Lady, Jill Biden, and President
ita Gopinath, the First Dep- House military band play Om Jai wrote, “What a beautiful celebration Joe Biden hosted a Diwali cel-
uty Managing Director of Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy of Diwali at the @WhiteHouse ! As ebration at the White House
Gthe International Mone- Diwali,” she wrote in her post. we celebrate the journey of light, we on October 28, inviting Indian
tary Fund (IMF), shared a video The White House hosted a Di- also honor the invaluable contribu- Americans from across the Unit-
on Thursday featuring the White wali celebration to honor the contri- tions of Indian Americans who deep- ed States to attend.
House military band playing the butions of Indian Americans to the en the #USIndia bond.” This was the couple’s last Di-
prayer “Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare” as “US-India bond.” “From New Delhi to D.C., may wali celebration as President and
part of Diwali celebrations. US Ambassador to India Eric the light of Diwali illuminate every First Lady. Over the years, the
In the video posted by Gopi- Garcetti praised the event and em- corner of the world and spread the Bidens’ Diwali celebration has add-
nath on X, the White House was phasized the significance of Diwali, message of peace and prosperity ed a unique touch to this luminous
beautifully adorned with marigold acknowledging the invaluable con- #CelebrateWithUS #HappyDiwa- tradition.

www.TheIndianEYE.com