Washington, Nov 2: Diwali is a reminder of the many ways Americans of South Asian descent have enriched the United States, Secretary of State Tony Blinken said Friday as he hosted the annual reception of the festival of lights with members of the diplomatic community and Indian-Americans. At its core, Diwali is about the idea that light will push back against darkness, that compassion, curiosity can overcome ignorance, and that everybody has an obligation to care for the other, he said in his remarks at the Diwali reception he hosted at the Department of State. “I can’t think of a more powerful lesson to take to heart in this time for our world than that,” Blinken said.
“It is also a reminder of the many ways South Asian culture — and Americans of South Asian descent — have enriched our nation, from the novels of Jhumpa Lahiri to the fashion designs of Prabal Gurung. The United States derives so much strength from this diversity, including the truly remarkable public servants — I can think of one offhand – the Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, World Bank President Ajay Banga, our very own Deputy Secretary of State Rich Verma,” he said. He said it was 10 years ago that then Secretary John Kerry hosted the first Diwali reception at the State Department, and since then this annual gathering has become a time-honored tradition.
“This year, more than 1 billion Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs around the world are celebrating Diwali, decorati.
