On November 13, 2024, a vibrant Diwali celebration took place on Capitol Hill, hosted by BAPS Public Affairs along with multiple partner organizations, including the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the U.S. Indian Community Foundation, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Federation of Jain Associations of North America (JAINA), The Art of Living Foundation, Sikhs of America, the Asia Pacific Institute of American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Indian American Relations Council, and the National India Hub. Over 300 members of the Indian-American community from across the United States gathered at the Dirksen Senate Office Building for the celebration, joining 33 members of Congress, the Ambassador of India to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and Alia Al Suwaidi, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important cultural celebrations for Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities worldwide. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
Elected officials at the event underscored the value of embracing diversity and fostering unity within their communities. They spoke passionately about the role of cultural celebrations like Diwali in promoting greater understanding and building bridges between different communities.
In the spirit of Diwali, Rep. Haley Stevens remarked on the occasion's significance: "We know that our Indian American community is one of our success stories. It is a part of the vibrancy of our incredible economy and so many communities. And to assemble all here tonight in the Dirksen building in recognition of Diwali and Diwali's meaning is such a profound honor to be with all of you. May light continue to shine out darkness, may togetherness be our triumph, and may so many blessings and best wishes go to the young people, to the families across America."
Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the United States, remarked on the significance of the occasion, saying, "It is wonderful to celebrate Diwali with so many Members of Congress and distinguished guests tonight. It is a reflection of their commitment to the relationship. Your presence here is a reflection of the important role that you and this festival play in the relationship. This is an Indian festival, which is embraced and celebrated the world over. And you, your presence here, the presence of so many Members of Congress, has made it all the more special."
Rep. Jonathan Jackson reflected on the values promoted by BAPS, stating, "BAPS has been instrumental in promoting the values of compassion, service, and spirituality, as His Holiness (Pramukh Swami Maharaj) has reminded us, 'In the joy of others, lies our own.' As we light our diyas and share in the festival, let us also strive to be instruments of enlightenment, instruments of peace, and instruments of justice. And let us be keepers of the light."
Reflecting on the profound impact of BAPS and its Diwali celebrations, Rep. Pete Sessions added, "I visited Robbinsville, New Jersey, to the temple (BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham) three times, and each time I have come back, it has become very apparent to me that the service is oriented not only around this great religion and these great people, but also the faith they place in themselves and the role that this festival, Diwali, plays in their lives."
Members of Congress who attended the celebration included Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (Mississippi), Senator Rand Paul (Kentucky), Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-9), Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), Rep. Andrew Ogles (TN-5), Rep. Ben Cline (VA-6), Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-3), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Rep. Dan Meuser (PA-9), Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-16), Rep. Glenn Grothman (WI-6), Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11), Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL-1), Rep. Mike Ezell (MS-4), Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-1), Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35), Rep. Pete Sessions (TX-17), Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17), Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-4), Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10), Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-5), Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-2), Rep. Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Rep.-Elect April McClain Delaney (MD-6), Rep.-Elect Mike Haridopolos (FL-8), Rep.-Elect Rob Bresnahan (PA-8) , Rep.-Elect Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Rep.-Elect Sylvester Turner (TX-18).
The celebration offered a chance to reflect on Diwali's universal values—hope, unity, and progress—while raising awareness of the Indian American community's cultural contributions. Furthermore, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions with Members of Congress and community members, amplifying the event's overall impact.