“Wherever Americans light diyas to celebrate Diwali, our nation shines bright as a beacon of religious liberty for all people,” says Trump.
WASHINGTON, DC – In a statement released on the day Diwali is being observed, President Donald Trump greeted Indians around the world celebrating the joyous festival of lights, an auspicious occasion that ushers prosperous new beginnings.
“The First Lady and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Diwali this week”, he said.
The president who touts a faith and opportunity initiative under his watch underscored the importance of religious freedom in his message.
READ: President Trump lights Diwali ‘diya’ in White House for third consecutive year (October 27, 2019)
“The United States is a deeply faithful nation and I am proud of my administration’s work defending the constitutional right of all Americans to live and worship according to their conscience”, he said. “Wherever Americans light diyas to celebrate Diwali, our nation shines bright as a beacon of religious liberty for all people”.
Conspicuous by its absence this year was a ‘diya’ (traditional Indian lamp) lighting ceremony at the White House. Trump has celebrated the festival of lights for three consecutive years joined by Indian-Americans in his administration. In his second year, the ceremony was even open to the press. Not this time around as the president is reportedly dejected, still bristling over his election defeat.
Also conspicuous by its absence was any mention of the novel coronavirus and the havoc it has caused particularly here in America. In a veiled reference to the pandemic, Trump said, “This year, we are especially reminded to cherish and give thanks for the companionship of our friends and family. The First Lady and I wish the millions of people in the United States and around the world observing Diwali a joyous celebration and prosperous new beginnings,” he stated.
READ MORE:
For the first time, Diwali is celebrated at Washington Dulles International Airport (October 26, 2019)
Trump hosts Diwali at White House for second year in a row (November 14, 2018)
President Trump celebrates Diwali by lighting ‘diya’ in Oval Office (October 18, 2017)
Ivanka Trump wishes Diwali to all Indians across the world (October 19, 2017)
Barack Obama makes his final Diwali at the White House special, lights diya in Oval Office (October 31, 2016)
US lawmakers greeted by overflow crowd of Indian Americans at Diwali celebration on Capitol Hill (November 17, 2018)
Fourth sparkling Diwali celebration in US Congress draws over 400 guests (November 9, 2017)