WASHINGTON: The first ever Diwali festival was celebrated at the US Congress today amidst chanting of Vedic mantras by a Hindu priest .Over two dozen influential lawmakers along with eminent Indian-Americans gathered at the Capitol Hill to lit the traditional ‘diyas’. The event — the first of its kind event at the Capitol Hill — was organised by the two Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Congressmen Joe Crowley and Peter Roskam in recognition of increasing presence of the Indian-American community. The occasion was also used to highlight significance of India-US relationship. “I have come here to say Happy Diwali,” said Nancy Pelosi, Leader of the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives. “United States owes a great debt of gratitude to India. Because our civil rights movement was built on the non-violent movement in India. Martin Luther King studied there, spoke there. We are blessed not only by that legacy, but also by the presence of so many Indo-Americans in our country,” Pelosi said. “This is a truly historic event,” Crowley said. Roskam said Indian Americans are an example of an enormous diaspora that is incredibly influential. “You have the ability to bring together people from both sides of the isle in ways that are powerful and significant,” he said. “When we look at the relationship between the United States and India moving forward it is a wonderful relationship that has a great thing in store,” said Roskam, who along with other lawmakers were welcomed at the historic event with red tilak, jasmine garland. A Hindu priest presented them a traditional shawl amidst chanting of Vedic mantras. Starting his brief remarks with ‘Jai Hind’ Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee said the relationship between India and the United States is strengthening.READ MORE @ hinduhumanrights.info/first-ever-diwali-celebration-in-us-congress/
Posted on: Sat, 02 Nov 2013 10:39:26 +0000
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