New Delhi: United States President Joe Biden on Monday termed Rishi Sunak’s ascent as first Indian-origin UK Prime Minister as “ground-breaking milestone”. During a Diwali reception at the White House, Biden said, “We got the news that Rishi Sunak is now the PM of the UK. Tomorrow, he goes to see the king (King Charles). It is pretty astounding, a ground-breaking milestone and it matters,” reported news agency ANI.
On Monday, the White House hosted a large-scale Diwali reception which saw the presence of several Indian-Americans from the Biden administration.
"We are honoured to host you. This is the first Diwali reception of this scale in the White House ever to be held. We have more Asian Americans than ever before in history and we want to thank you for making the Diwali celebration a joyous part of American culture," Biden said during the event.
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Wishing a happy Diwali to more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrating this Festival of Lights in the United States, India, and around the world, Biden thanked the Asian American community in the US for making the Diwali celebration a joyous part of American culture.
"As we host the official White House Diwali reception, we are honoured to light the diya surrounded by members of the most diverse Administration in American history — led by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black American and South Asian American to become Vice President."
"Together, South Asian Americans reflect the soul of who we are as a nation, whether helping us emerge stronger from this pandemic, building an economy that works for everyone, or serving and protecting our communities and our country,” he said.
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US Vice-President Kamala Harris also delivered remarks from the White House on the occasion of Diwali celebrations.
"White House is the people's house and together our president and first lady have made this place where every American can celebrate their honour and tradition,” she said.