Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Lilly Singh, Kal Penn, Suraj Sharma, and others attend the star-studded Diwali party at the White House

‘The incredible South Asian community all across America has helped the country emerge stronger from this pandemic, building an economy that works for everyone,’ said Joe Biden welcoming the guests.

Lilly Singh, Kal Penn, Suraj Sharma, and others attend the star-studded Diwali party at the White House

People are celebrating the “Festival of Lights,” which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, in several parts of the world, including the United States where it has been announced as a federal holiday in the country.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden on Monday hosted a Diwali reception at the White House, which saw the attendance of several prominent Indian Americans, including Lilly Singh, Suraj Sharma, and Kal Penn.


If reports are to be believed, more than 200 Indian Americans graced the reception at the East Room, a venue that has witnessed some of the landmark events related to the India-US relationship, including the signing of the nuclear deal and the joint press conference by then US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in November 2008.

Penn, who is a former White House staff member during the Obama administration, took to his Instagram handle and dropped a bunch of pictures from the celebration. "White House Diwali last night! 12 years ago, I had the honor of helping put together the 1st Diwali observed by an American president in the East Room of the White House when @barackobama invited members of the AAPI community and lit a diya. But last night was a full-on reception! Easily double in size, co-hosted by a desi VP, full of artists, advocates, business leaders, public servants, old & new friends…so many that you can’t tag or include them all in a post. Incredible. Thanks for bringing everyone together & hosting us @potus @flotus @vp @secondgentleman. Happy Diwali!” he wrote in the caption.

The Life Of Pi actor Suraj Sharma wrote on Instagram. "They let your boy into the White House. Honoured and Ignited by this night. A room full of Desis in all our roops and rungs, hardly white at all, this house, tonight. Mann aur dil dono ekdum full. Life is such a beautiful thing. To the beautiful minds and the deep hearts, to the moments in the middle, before we depart, and to the light that lifts us all the same. Happy Diwali. Go light a Diya. You look beautiful in its warmth," he captioned the post sharing pictures from inside the White House.

Lilly Singh wrote in the caption of her pictures from the celebration, "Melanin poppin in the White House last night for Diwali.”

"The incredible South Asian community all across America has helped the country emerge stronger from this pandemic, building an economy that works for everyone, teaching children and caring for elders, responding to the cry for action on climate, working to fix the immigration system, defending rights and freedoms, building a more just and equitable country, serving and protecting our communities and the nation, informing, entertaining and inspiring," Joe Biden wrote earlier.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less