Diwali Celebrated at the U.S. Capitol: First Major Event Post-Presidential Elections

More than two dozen lawmakers and prominent Indian Americans observed the first major event at Congress after the country's presidential election last week by participating in a ceremony to celebrate Diwali at the U.S. Capitol.

The annual "Diwali at Capitol Hill" celebration was on Tuesday, organized by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in association with other Indian American organizations who included the Hindu American Foundation, Sikhs for America, Jain Association of North America, and the Art of Living.

It's the Donald Trump of the President-elect, who has won the last week's presidential election and is going to take over in a fortnight's time.

Senator Rand Paul also spoke there, saying that the United States is an immigrant country and that the fact that immigrants come to the United States from all over the world makes America great. "These are contributions made by them, and so these facts go to prove that I'm a big advocate of more lawful immigration and have many bills to expand that, and I'm going to keep working on that. Have a good Diwali," Paul said.

At the gathering, Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith also said that she feels pretty hopeful for the next four years. "We want to just provide prosperity for this country, for those who want to look for something new, to do something new," she said. "We just want to encourage you that we want to have a stable atmosphere. We want a great economy.". We want a safe place for everybody to be able to raise your family, she continued, speaking to the audience, who also included India's Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

Ambassador Kwatra spoke about Diwali's global significance and strong ties between the U.S. and India. "This is an Indian festival which is embraced and celebrated the world over". It has made it all the more special to have your presence here along with so many congressmen and senators. Reflects their commitment to the relationship. Your presence there was reflective of the very important role that you at this festival place in the relationship, Kwatra added.

Congressman Shri Thanedar from Michigan's 13th Congressional district who has been re-elected claims that in his first term, he had helped to create the very first Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist caucuses in Congressional history. "There is much that needs to be done. I am working with the State Department on attacks on Hindu temples and ensuring that our community gets protection right across America. And I am also working with the State Department on atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh," said Thanedar.

Congressman Tom Souzzi from New York said that he saw recent attacks on Hindu temples in Long Island. "While taking place across the country, this kind of violence often strikes at the very heart of American society-respect," he added. "I spoke on the floor of the Congress, and I said that when Indian Americans, Hindu Americans place their hands like this and say namaste, they are really recognizing the divinity and the respect they have for the person in front of them, and we need more of that in our country today, he said.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi praised the Indian American community for its growth and success in such a short time. "You are the fastest-growing ethnic minority in America. You are the most prosperous, the best educated. One out of every seven doctors is a Desi," he noted.

Congressman Pete Sessions brings a most prominent voice into the celebration by shining some good time and opportunities that Indian Americans have had. "The words of support tonight are coming from members of Congress who greatly appreciate each of you taking time, not just to be at this Diwali event for another beautiful year, but of the year that has been so monumental in the growth and opportunity for so many of you here in the United States of America," he said.

Congressman Dan Meuser, during his reflection, highlighted that the previous year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Congress in a joint address. Recalling the address, he shared how in his speech, the prime minister heavily concentrated on the U.S.-India relationship by recounting the reasons he talked about strengthening these relations for economic and national security purposes. I think about it still, really, on how well he spoke about the importance of the American Indian relationship, how it needs to improve for economic reasons, and for national security reasons, and an overall peace for our world," Meuser said. "Our relationship will continue to grow. It's very, very important. We have a new president and a new Senate.". That is, he hopes to be united, working together toward common ground and doing what is the best for the United States, for India, and for the world," he added.

The former House Majority Leader Congressman Steny Hoyer recognized the significant contributions Indian Americans have made towards the nation's progress. "On this Diwali, I come here to thank each and every one of you. America is stronger and better for those of you who came from India and who love America and who serve our fellow citizens," he said.

Congresswoman Haley Stevens hailed the Indian American community as one of the country's success stories. "We know that our Indian American community is one of our success stories. It is part of the vibrancy of our incredible economy and so many communities.to the families across America recognising and celebrating Diwali, we salute you tonight," she said.