US secretary of state Antony Blinken turned to the phrases of Rabindranath Tagore on the state division’s annual Diwali reception on Friday, remarking that the Bengali poet’s phrases embody the spirit of the pageant that celebrates the triumph of sunshine over darkness.
Blinken mentioned, “Diwali holds completely different meanings and practices for various communities. However Bengali poet Tagore captured it the very best when he wrote ‘Religion is the chook that feels the sunshine when the daybreak remains to be darkish.’ Diwali is about the concept that gentle will push again towards darkness.”
“A decade later, this annual gathering has develop into a convention, one I’m very pleased with and happy to proceed,” Blinken mentioned, noting the huge world celebrations with over a billion Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs marking Diwali with vibrant decorations, rangoli, and the lighting of diyas.
Blinken commemorated a decade of celebrating the pageant of lights throughout the division, a convention first launched by then-secretary John Kerry.
Addressing the gathering on Friday, Blinken expressed delight in persevering with the annual celebration and highlighted Diwali’s common message of hope and resilience.
Blinken additionally celebrated the profound contributions of Individuals of South Asian descent, highlighting how they’ve enriched the cultural and social cloth of the US. “Diwali is a reminder of the numerous methods South Asian tradition—and Individuals of South Asian descent—have strengthened our nation,” he mentioned, naming distinguished figures like vp Kamala Harris, World Financial institution President Ajay Banga, and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma. Blinken remarked to an viewers that included members of the diplomatic group and Indian-Individuals.
Blinken concluded his tackle with a message of unity, calling for continued efforts towards a peaceable and affluent world. “In order we rejoice Diwali, could we maintain working to form a world extra peaceable, extra affluent, and do it collectively. Completely satisfied Diwali,” he wished.
Diwali, celebrated with lights, firecrackers, sweets, and presents, stays a major cultural occasion that underscores the victory of fine over evil.
President Joe Biden and vp Harris joined the festivities, underscoring the cultural and non secular significance of Diwali for thousands and thousands throughout the US.
In a message shared on X, President Biden mentioned, “This Diwali, could we present the ability within the gathering of sunshine. The sunshine of information, of unity, of reality. The sunshine for freedom, for democracy, for an America the place something is feasible.”
Earlier this week, he hosted a record-breaking Diwali occasion on the White Home, inviting round 600 distinguished Indian-Individuals from throughout the nation.
