Washington: U.S. President-elect Joe Biden, his deputy Kamala Harris on November 14 extended Deepavali greetings to those celebrating the festival of lights.
“To the millions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating the Festival of Lights, @DrBiden and I send our best wishes for a #HappyDiwali. May your new year be filled with hope, happiness, and prosperity. Sal Mubarak,” Mr. Biden tweeted.
Ms. Harris, who scripted history by becoming the first Indian-American and African-American woman Vice-President in the U.S., extended greetings on the occasion of Deepavali.
“Happy Diwali and Sal Mubarak! @DouglasEmhoff and I wish everyone celebrating around the world a safe, healthy, and joyous new year,” the U.S. Vice-President-elect tweeted.
In a joint statement, Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris wished a happy Deepavali to everyone celebrating the festival of lights across the U.S., India, and the world.
“Like so many cherished traditions during the pandemic, we know this year’s Diwali and its symbolising of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and empathy over apathy arrives with a deeper meaning,” they said.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who is ushering in this new year with the recent loss of a loved one, or who finds themselves fallen on hard times. Our prayers remain with everyone fighting the pandemic on the frontlines instead of staying safe at home in prayer with their families. And, we know the sadness of being apart on a day that truly signifies the blessing of family and friendship,” they said.
“But Diwali is ultimately a reminder of the light that’s within us all to hope and dream, and to overcome our differences and keep the faith in each other. That’s the light we see shining on this day and that will guide us through the darkness with knowledge, science, truth, unity, and compassion,” the joint statement said.
“And that’s why as Diwali is celebrated via video calls and while socially distanced this year, we look forward to celebrating Diwali at the White House next year — in person, together with you, and in a nation healed and united,” they said.
(PTI)
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