Washington, DC: October 23, 2003. Today marked an historic time for Hindus in the United States as well as around the world. The White House celebrated its first ever Diwali event. Among the 100 honored guests were representatives of various civic organizations and prominent government officials.
In an ceremony rich with tradition, a "dipak" (lamp) was lighted by Mr. Karl Rove, Special Advisor to President George W. Bush, in front of the Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi to invoke their blessings during this age-old Festival of Lights celebration.
Addressing the guests in the Indian Treaty Room where the original U.N. Charter was signed, Rove said, "I just spoke with the President who called from Pearl Harbor; he sends his Diwali greetings to you and to the Hindu community worldwide." He added, "The President would have been here today, had it not been for his trip to Asia and Australia.”
Leading the invocation was Dr. Anant Rambachan, professor of Religion at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota who also conducts congregational worship services at the Hindu society of Minnesota. An active participant in inter-faith dialogue, Mr. Rambachan highlighted the significance of Diwali and its relevance in today's environment. He said, "The establishment of a utopian rule, referred to as Ramrajya, followed Rama's defeat of Ravana and his return to his home. It was the inspiration for Gandhi's vision of an ideal community. In the kingdom of Rama, the state was no longer violent and oppressive towards its citizens. Nations lived in peace with other nations and all suffering was overcome. Human beings were generous and charitable towards each other. The kingdom of Rama as presented to us in the Ramayana, is an alternative political, economic, social and religious order. It is a vision what a human community should look like when we recognize God as supreme and ultimate."
Mr. Neil Patel, a political appointee serving in the Office of Vice President Dick Cheney was the Master of Ceremony. Speaking next, underscoring the historic importance of the event, Mr. Gopal Khanna, Chief Financial Officer at The Peace Corps, addressed those in attendance. Mr. Khanna said, "This celebration symbolizes the Bush Administration's recognition of America's rich religious and ethnic diversity. Today's event establishes a tradition that will, for generations to come, strengthen America as a nation that remains committed to, secularism and inclusion in it's mainstream, people of all faiths."
Mr. Khanna continued, "This historic White House celebration happened because of a conversation Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal, National President of the Association of Indians in America, had with President Bush about six weeks ago. During that meeting Dr. Agrawal urged the President to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali at The White House." The President promised Dr. Agrawal that he would look into the matter and, to the delight of the growing Indian American community, we are here celebrating this event together today.
When asked about the highlights of the event, Dr. Piyush C. Agrawal responded, “There were at least two very significant items; the event was held at The White House within six weeks of the request to the President and representatives from all major Indian organizations were present at the event including Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and Christians. It was truly an elegant affair.” He added “President Bush deserves our sincere ‘gratitude’ for creating history by opening the door of The White House for a Hindu ceremony. We are sure that the tradition will continue and this is the beauty of America.”
The Association of Indians in America (AIA) commissioned a Commemorative Silver Coin struck in honor of the occasion. All those in attendance at the ceremony received the coin as a Diwali Gift . The coin depicts the deities Ganesha and Laxmi on one side with the reverse side bearing the inscription “First Diwali At The White House 2003”.

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A Proud Indian Canadian