NOV 09, 2023 : At her official residence, US Vice President Kamala Harris observed Diwali, telling the guests that the globe is currently going through a “difficult and dark moment” as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Harris, who is Indian, celebrated early Diwali at her home on Tuesday. “Diwali is observed during a period of significant events in the world. In her brief remarks, Harris,59, addressed the mostly Indian American guests. “I think it’s important that as we celebrate Diwali, which is about celebrating the light, we understand it is always in the context of understanding the contrast between light and dark moments,” Harris said.“There’s no denying that our globe is going through a trying and troubling time in many ways, but especially in light of the pictures in the news that are emerging from Gaza and Israel. And I know it’s tragic and devastating for all of us, including me and her husband Doug,” she remarked. “I just wanted to make sure everyone knows that President (Joe) Biden and I are fighting for Israel’s right to self-defense. We agree that the people of Gaza must get humanitarian relief. We think it’s critical to recognise the distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people. “It is imperative that we prevent the situation in that region from getting worse and that we return the American hostages home. I shall thus say those things knowing full well how crucial it is that we celebrate holidays like Diwali while simultaneously stating the truth and pouring light,” she remarked. “I also want to emphasise that the Palestinian people have a right and deserve an opportunity for dignity and self-determination. I’ve stated this many times and I’ll say it again. We’ll keep supporting that as well,” Harris declared.This year, in contrast to previous, the Vice President did not engage with any of the invited guests—aside from the elected Indian American legislators, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pramila Jayapal, and Ro Khanna. Numerous organisations have issued a call to boycott Harris’ Diwali celebrations in advance. At the Vice President’s house, close to 300 people attended the Diwali celebrations. Community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria remarked, “This event beautifully exemplifies the spirit of unity, highlighting the importance of harmony and compassion in times of adversity.” “Let us share happiness and love as we get together to celebrate and keep the Jain ideal of ‘Live in Peace and Let Others Live in Peace’ close to our hearts. The delicious Indian cuisine provided at the event gave an extra layer of happiness to the lively cultural celebrations, bringing us closer together through the tastes and customs that make Diwali so unique, the speaker stated. Bhutoria gave a book about the spiritual path of Jain Acharya Mahapragya, who preached nonviolence and peace, to Vice President Harris’s staff. Harris was born to an Indian mother and a Black father, both of whom were immigrants. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a cancer researcher and civil rights activist from Chennai, while her father, Donald Harris, was a native of Jamaica.
