US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Celebrates Diwali at State Department
In Washington DC, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke at the State Department’s Diwali reception, highlighting the festival’s importance and its decade-long tradition at the department, initiated by Secretary John Kerry. Blinken quoted Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, saying, “Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark,” to emphasize Diwali’s message of light overcoming darkness.
He noted that over a billion Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs worldwide celebrate Diwali by decorating homes with rangoli, hanging flower garlands, and lighting diyas. Blinken stressed the significance of South Asian culture in the US, acknowledging the strength derived from diversity, including contributions from South Asian Americans like Vice President Kamala Harris and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
Blinken concluded with a wish for a more peaceful and prosperous world, saying, “Happy Diwali.” The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, celebrated with lights, firecrackers, sweets, and gift exchanges.
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US Secretary of State -: The US Secretary of State is a high-ranking official in the United States government who deals with foreign affairs and international relations. Antony Blinken is the current Secretary of State.
Antony Blinken -: Antony Blinken is a politician and diplomat who serves as the US Secretary of State. He helps manage the United States’ relationships with other countries.
Diwali -: Diwali is a popular festival celebrated in India and by people of Indian origin around the world. It is known as the Festival of Lights and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
State Department -: The State Department is a part of the US government that handles the country’s foreign affairs and international relations. It is similar to the Ministry of External Affairs in India.
John Kerry -: John Kerry is a former US Secretary of State who started the tradition of celebrating Diwali at the State Department. He served in this role before Antony Blinken.
Rabindranath Tagore -: Rabindranath Tagore was a famous Indian poet, writer, and philosopher. He was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Kamala Harris -: Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States. She is of Indian and Jamaican descent and is the first woman and first person of South Asian descent to hold this position.
Ajay Banga -: Ajay Banga is an Indian-American business executive known for his contributions to the business world. He has held leadership roles in major companies and is recognized for his work in promoting South Asian culture.