Washington, Nov 4 (UNI) US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday extended Diwali greetings to those celebrating the festival of lights in the US and around the world.
Meanwhile, three Democratic members of the House of Representatives - Carolyn Maloney, Gregory Meeks and Indian American Raja Krishnamoorthi – have announced plans to introduce legislation to make Diwali a federal holiday.
In his Diwali greeting tweet, President Biden posted a picture showing him along with First Lady Jill Biden standing with candles in their hands around a table decorated with flowers and lighted glass candles and with a tall Indian lamp at the centre.
The US President posted the message:
“May the light of Diwali remind us that from darkness there is knowledge, wisdom, and truth. From division, unity. From despair, hope.
“To Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists celebrating in America and around the world — from the People’s House to yours, happy Diwali!”
Vice President Kamala Harris, in a video message on twitter, said:
“Greetings everyone, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the festival of lights here in the US and around the world.
This year Diwali arrives with even deeper meaning in the midst of a devastating pandemic.
“The holiday reminds us of our nation’s most sacred values; our gratitude for the love of family and friends; our responsibility to lend a hand to those in need, and our strength to choose light over darkness, to seek knowledge and wisdom, and to be source of goodness and grace. Let’s remember to honour the light within one another from our family to yours. I wish you a joyous Diwali."
Maloney, chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and former chair of the Joint Economic Committee, on Wednesday announced that a bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives to declare Diwali a federal holiday.
Maloney in a tweet said: ”I am so excited to introduce my Deepavali Day Act which would enshrine Diwali as a federal holiday. Let’s celebrate light over darkness, the triumph of good over evil, and the pursuit of knowledge over ignorance during this special time of year!”
“This beautiful festival celebrates lightness over dark, goodness over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. My bill today recognizes the importance of this beautiful holiday and gives it the respect and acknowledgement it deserves,” she said.
Krishnamurthi said, “The meaning of this legislation extends beyond honouring the significance of Diwali to the Indian-American community to acknowledging the contributions of Indian-Americans to our nation.”
Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in a tweet said: “I’m proud to support @RepMaloney’s resolution to make Diwali a federal holiday.
“For those celebrating, I hope the Diwali lights brighten your life and fill your day with happiness. Have a blessed #Diwali”.
UNI/RN