Trump Lights Up Diwali Diyas At White House, Calls PM Modi ‘Great Person’ – What He Said About India Will Shock You | World News

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump extended warm greetings to the people of India and Indian Americans by celebrating Diwali at the White House on Tuesday. During the event, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great person” and a “great friend” while highlighting US-India trade and regional peace ties.

“Let me convey our heartfelt wishes to the people of India. I just spoke to your prime minister. We had a wonderful conversation. We talked about trade… He was very interested in that. Even though we had talked a little while ago about not going to war with Pakistan, there was trade involved, so I was able to talk about that. And we don’t have a war with Pakistan and India. That was a very, very good thing,” he said. “Prime Minister Modi is a wonderful person. He has become a very good friend of mine over the years.” happened”.

Emphasizing the symbolic importance of Diwali, Trump said, “In a few minutes, we will light the diya as a symbol of belief in the victory of light over darkness… This is knowledge over ignorance, good over evil. Those who revel during Diwali remember the old stories where enemies were defeated, obstacles were removed and captives were freed.”

He also said that the diya’s flame “reminds everyone to seek the path of wisdom, study diligently, and always be thankful for the many blessings we have.”

After his remarks, Trump lit the diyas in the White House.

Several senior officials attended, including FBI Director Kash Patel, ODNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai, Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Prominent Indian-American business leaders were also present, reflecting the community’s growing interest in US-India relations.

Earlier, US Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brian Fitzpatrick introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the religious and historical significance of Diwali. The resolution honors more than three million Indian Americans, including Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, and reflects the contributions of the diaspora in the United States.

“Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. For the millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains celebrating with friends, family and loved ones in the United States, I hope this bipartisan resolution will bring our communities together and inspire us to see the light in the world and overcome the challenges we face,” Krishnamoorthi said.

Fitzpatrick emphasized the universal values ​​of Diwali. “Diwali speaks to the enduring human belief that light will always defeat darkness, that truth will outlast fear, and that unity is our strength,” he said.

He also praised the contributions of the Indian-American community in Pennsylvania and across the country, calling local Mandirs “pillars of faith, service and unity in the community.”

The decision emphasizes that Diwali is a festival of thanksgiving, a time to pray for health, knowledge and peace, and to light lamps symbolizing the inner light that drives away ignorance.

It also highlights its importance to the Sikhs by marking the liberation of Guru Hargobind from Mughal captivity and to the Jains by commemorating Lord Mahavira’s attainment of Nirvana.

Diwali is a five-day festival that begins with Dhanteras, where people buy jewelery or utensils and worship gods. The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali. The third day is the main celebration where prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, and on the fifth day, Bhai Dooj, sisters pray for their brothers’ long and happy lives, while brothers give gifts in return.

The White House celebration highlights the cultural significance of Diwali in America and the enduring ties between the United States and India.