Bipartisan Diwali resolutions introduced in US Congress

Washington, Oct 29: Two separate bipartisan

resolutions have been introduced in both chambers of the

recognising the religious and historical significance of the

celebrated in

and across the globe.

The resolution in the Senate introduced by senators Mark Warner and John Cornyn (who are Co-Chairs of the Senate India Caucus) yesterday supported a strong relationship between the people and governments of the US and India, based on mutual trust and respect to enable them to closely collaborate on a broad range of interests like global peace and prosperity.

Congressmen Joe Crowley and Peter Roskam, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, introduced a separate bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives last week. The resolution expressed deep respect for Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora throughout the world and appreciated the religious diversity in both India and the US and throughout the world.

This year for the first time the festival of lights would be celebrated at Capitol Hill and will be attended by a large number of Congressmen and Senators.

"This year, 2013, many Members of Congress will celebrate Diwali in the United States Capitol for the first time," the resolution said noting that Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others throughout the US.

"Diwali is a festival of great significance to millions of Indians and Indian-Americans and I’m thrilled and proud to be a part of the first-ever Congressional Diwali," Congressman Crowley said.

For the first time the festival of lights would be celebrated at Capitol Hill.

"I'm looking forward to this bipartisan event that will bring together members of Congress, prominent Indian-American leaders, and the community to celebrate Diwali," he said.

"This isn't only about celebration though – this event is also about helping to build a greater understanding of differing cultural backgrounds and histories not only for Indian Americans but for all Americans. I'm looking forward to what should be the first of many Diwali celebrations on Capitol Hill in the years ahead. This event is truly making history!" Crowley said.

"Our historic, first-ever Congressional Diwali reception will serve to increase awareness about Diwali and highlight its positive, peaceful message during these contentious times," said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu ever to be elected to the US Congress.

"This message has great relevance at a time when politics and partisanship seem to overshadow compassion and concern for the greater good," Gabbard said.

PTI