Skip to content
Search
Please enter at least 3 characters.

Latest Stories

Biden celebrates Diwali at White House with Indian Americans

Speaking in the East Room of the White House, Biden highlighted the importance of Diwali and the contributions of South Asian Americans in his administration.

Joe Biden delivers remarks at a reception in celebration of Diwali at the White House on October 28. (Photo: Getty Images)
Joe Biden delivers remarks at a reception in celebration of Diwali at the White House on October 28. (Photo: Getty Images)

US PRESIDENT Joe Biden hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House on Monday, attended by over 600 Indian American leaders, including Congress members, government officials, and corporate executives.

Speaking in the East Room of the White House, Biden highlighted the importance of Diwali and the contributions of South Asian Americans in his administration, saying, “As president, I've been honoured to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the White House.”


He acknowledged prominent figures like vice president Kamala Harris and Dr Vivek Murthy, adding, “I'm proud that I kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America.”

Kamala Harris and First Lady Jill Biden were absent from the event as they were on the campaign trail.

Prior to Biden’s remarks, the gathering heard from vice admiral Vivek H Murthy, US surgeon general, retired astronaut Sunita Williams, who sent a video message from the International Space Station (ISS), and Indian-American youth activist Shrusti Amula.

US surgeon general Vivek Murthy delivers remarks as he helps to introduce Joe Biden at a reception in celebration of Diwali at the White House. (Photo: Getty Images)

Reflecting on past celebrations, Biden recalled hosting the first Diwali reception in 2016 at the vice president’s residence, celebrating with diverse communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. He spoke about the significance of Diwali in America, saying, “Now is a time, Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House.”

Biden went on to discuss the importance of American democracy and the values that unite the nation, saying, “For me, 50 years of public service comes with the clarity of confidence in America. We’re a nation with a heart, a soul that draws from old and new.”

In her recorded message from the ISS, astronaut Sunita Williams extended Diwali greetings and expressed appreciation for her Indian heritage. “This year, I have the unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali from 260 miles above the Earth,” she said, reflecting on her father’s influence in sharing Indian traditions with her family.

Sunita Williams delivers remarks via video from the International Space Station during a reception in celebration of Diwali at the White House. (Photo: Getty Images)

Williams also thanked Biden and Harris for recognising the contributions of the Indian American community, saying, “Diwali is a time of joy as goodness in the world prevails.”

(With inputs from PTI)

More For You

Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘His vision and impact transcended borders, faiths and generations’

His Highness the Aga Khan IV with the then Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, at the Aga Khan Centre, London, in 2019.

Aga Khan IV tribute: ‘His vision and impact transcended borders, faiths and generations’

Naushad Jivraj

WITH profound sorrow and deep gratitude, we reflect on the life and legacy of Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, our beloved 49th hereditary Imam.

For nearly seven decades, His Highness Aga Khan IV dedicated his life to the spiritual and material wellbeing of the Ismaili community. He was not only our spiritual leader but also a visionary, whose work improved the lives of millions worldwide, leaving an impact that transcended borders, faiths and generations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey set to dazzle Brighton Pride 2025 with a show-stopping performance at Preston Park

Getty Images

Mariah Carey to headline Brighton Pride 2025: Iconic comeback set to break records

This summer, music legend Mariah Carey is set to light up the stage at Brighton Pride, marking her first UK performance since her 2019 Royal Albert Hall shows. Scheduled for August 2, 2025, at Preston Park, Carey’s highly anticipated appearance follows the cancellation of the 2020 event due to COVID-19. Known for her chart-topping hits like "Fantasy" and "Always Be My Baby," her performance is expected to draw massive crowds. Tickets go on sale February 20, and demand is expected to be high.

Paul Kemp, Brighton Pride’s Managing Director, shared his excitement, recalling the disappointment of 2020. “We’re thrilled to finally welcome Mariah this year,” Kemp said. “Pride is a celebration of love, diversity, and unity, and having a global icon like her headline makes this year’s event even more special.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Are Kanye West and Bianca Censori breaking up after the viral Grammys stunt?

Kanye West and Bianca Censori at the Marni Fall/Winter 2024 Fashion Show during Milan Fashion Week

Getty Images

Are Kanye West and Bianca Censori breaking up after the viral Grammys stunt?

Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, and his wife, Bianca Censori, are once again at the centre of divorce rumours, this time following a series of controversies surrounding Ye. Reports suggest that the couple’s relationship has been strained due to Ye’s recent actions, including allegations of antisemitism and the backlash from selling swastika-themed merchandise.

Sources claim that Censori, 30, reached a breaking point, unwilling to be associated with Ye’s controversies any longer. The tension reportedly escalated after Censori’s near-nude appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, which drew widespread criticism. While Ye defended her bold outfit, calling her “smart, talented, brave, and hot,” the incident allegedly deepened the rift between them.

Keep ReadingShow less
Win tickets to Mythili Prakash’s stunning dance show

Mythili Prakash

Win tickets to Mythili Prakash’s stunning dance show

Eastern Eye

EASTERN EYE readers have the chance to win a pair of tickets to watch Bharatnatyam dancer Mythili Prakash perform at Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford, London, later this month.

In the new show titled She’s auspicious, Prakash explores the relationship between femininity and purity, according to the programme website.

Keep ReadingShow less
Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India

McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017. (Photo credit: Twitter)

Man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker in India

A COURT in India has found Vikat Bhagat guilty of the rape and murder of Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin.

McLaughlin, 28, from County Donegal, was found dead in a field in Goa in March 2017.

Keep ReadingShow less