U.S. lawmakers hail Indian-Americans' contribution to development at Capitol Diwali events

Three Diwali events held at U.S. Capitol, attended by many lawmakers, to recognise role of Indian-Americans. Events organised by BAPS, Hindu American Foundation, Asian American Hotel Owners' Association, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Federation of Jain Associations in North America, American Jewish Committee, U.S. Indian Community Foundation, U.S. India Security Council and Indian American Relations Council. Elected representatives emphasised importance of diversity, cultural traditions and celebrations such as Diwali in promoting understanding and building connections. Republican Hindu Coalition hosted Congressional Hindu Caucus to celebrate Diwali and its official inauguration. Hindus for Human Rights convened multi-faith Diwali gathering to urge for ceasefire in Gaza.

Three Diwali events were held at the U.S. Capitol during the past week with a large number of lawmakers recognising the role being played by Indian-Americans in the country's socioeconomic development.

"The principles of Diwali — the triumph of good over evil, the triumph of righteousness, the importance of doing your duty — are good reminders to people of all faiths," Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said in his remarks at the largest Diwali event at the U.S. Capitol.

The event was organised by BAPS, in association with the Hindu American Foundation, Asian American Hotel Owners' Association, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Federation of Jain Associations in North America, American Jewish Committee, U.S. Indian Community Foundation, U.S. India Security Council and the Indian American Relations Council.

Joined by over 300 members of the Indian-American community from across the U.S., the annual event was attended by a large number of U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Cynthia Lummis, Congressman Scott Perry, Congressman Shri Thanedar, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, Congressman Matt Cartwright and Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani.

The elected representatives passionately emphasised the vital role of diversity in their constituencies. They underscored the profound impact of sharing cultural traditions and celebrations such as Diwali in promoting deeper understanding, fortifying community strength and building connections among diverse populations, BAPS said in a release.

"May the festival of lights inspire us to lift our communities with hope instead of despair and stand up for what's right. That's what Diwali is all about," Congressman Jim Costa said, describing the spirit of the celebration at the US Capitol on November 15.

The same evening, the Republican Hindu Coalition hosted the Congressional Hindu Caucus to celebrate Diwali and its official inauguration.