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AMERICANNewsline

14 DECEMBER 01, 2023

US Senators & Representatives join community

groups to celebrate Diwali at Capitol Hill

The event was a unifying opportunity to celebrate Diwali in the nation’s capital, where attendees

had the chance to reflect on the universal messages of Diwali

OUR BUREAU
Washington, DC
APS Public Affairs and multi-
ple partner organizations, in-
Bcluding the Hindu American
Foundation (HAF), the Asian Amer-
ican Hotel Owners Association (AA-
HOA), Shrimad Rajchandra Mission
Dharampur, Federation of Jain Asso-
ciations in North America (JAINA),
the American Jewish Committee
(AJC), the US Indian Community
Foundation, the US India Security
Council Inc, and the Indian Ameri-
can Relations Council convened on
Capitol Hill to celebrate Diwali. Over
300 members of the Indian American
community from across the United
States gathered at the Dirksen Sen-
ate Office Building, joining members
of Congress in the celebration.
Senators and US Representa-
tives that attended the celebration
included Sen Cynthia Lummis (Wyo-
ming), Rep. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) and Donald Norcross (NJ-1) light a diya
Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10), Rep. Brad
Sherman (CA-32), Rep. Ro Khanna by lighting diyas, or traditional lamps doing your duty - are good reminders the spirit of the celebration.
(CA-17), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna to illuminate homes and prepare deli- to people of all faiths.” “Celebration The event was a unifying oppor-
(FL-13), Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA- cious meals and pray for wisdom and of this festival on Capitol Hill is not tunity to celebrate Diwali in the na-
08), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. prosperity. Diwali not only fosters a only a testament to the diversity and tion’s capital, where attendees had
Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Rep. Shri Tha- sense of togetherness and gratitude unity within our communities but it the chance to reflect on the universal
nedar (MI-13), Rep. Dan Meuser but also showcases the rich cultural is also an opportunity to showcase messages of Diwali, while also in-
(PA-09), Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick diversity and traditions that make it a the strength that comes from cultural creasing awareness about the Indian
(PA-01), Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16), cherished holiday for millions of peo- preservation and understanding of the American community and interfaith
Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Rep. ple around the world. various communities,” shared Shri Jag harmony. Additionally, attendees
Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Rep. Maxwell Elected representatives present Mohan in his address to the assembly. had valuable interactions with repre-
Frost (FL-10), and Ohio State Sena- at the celebration passionately em- Suhag Shukla, Executive Direc- sentatives on Capitol Hill, enhancing
tor Niraj Antani. Also in attendance phasized the vital role of diversity tor of the Hindu American Founda- the event’s impact and significance.
were Roberts Peckar, Member of the in their constituencies. They under- tion shared, “Diwali is a time to re- BAPS is a volunteer-driven
Board of Governors of the American scored the profound impact of sharing flect on the good that is within each spiritual organization committed to
Jewish Committee, and Shri Jag Mo- cultural traditions and celebrations, of us and to let its light shine through, fostering individual growth through
han, Minister of Community & Per- like Diwali, in promoting a deeper allowing us to transcend our differ- Hindu values of faith, service, and
sonnel at the Embassy of India. understanding, fortifying communi- ences big and small, to alleviate the harmony. Under the spiritual leader-
Diwali, also known as the Festi- ty strength and building connections suffering of others, and to act with ship of His Holiness Mahant Swami
val of Lights, is a vibrant celebration among diverse populations. wisdom so that we can overcome the Maharaj, BAPS nurtures Indian tra-
widely observed in India by Hindu, Indian-American Congressman darkness of greed, hate, and violence.” ditions in over 100 North American
Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities Ro Khanna joined in the diya light- “May the festival of lights inspire and 3,500 communities worldwide.
around the world. This festival sym- ing and shared his remarks on Diwa- us to lift our communities with hope Through these communities, it cham-
bolizes the triumph of good over evil, li, “The principles of Diwali - the tri- instead of despair and stand up for pions holistic personal growth, pro-
light over darkness and knowledge umph of good over evil, the triumph what’s right. That’s what Diwali is all motes social progress, and encourag-
over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated of righteousness, the importance of about,” remarked Rep. Jim Costa on es diversity by embracing all.

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