By IANS,
Washington : US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush have wished the Indian American community an “uplifting and hopeful” Diwali saying “the candle’s flames represent the light of hope and the blessings of life”.
The first couple sent their greetings to the community in a message read out at a function in the Indian Treaty Room of the White House Friday to celebrate the festival as has been the tradition during the Bush presidency.
“Laura and I send our Best Wishes for an uplifting and hopeful Diwali,” said Bush. “This joyous festival reminds all citizens of the great blessings of religious freedom and our nation’s strong traditions of faith.
“The candle’s flames represent the light of hope and the blessings of life. The light from these candles reminds observers that good always triumphs over evil and we go forward in confidence that it will continue to prevail in the future,” he added.
“I send Greetings to those celebrating Deepavali, the Festival of Lights,” Bush said.
“During Diwali, millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains around the world will join together setting out ‘diyas’ and enjoying fireworks in celebration of the Festival of Lights.”
US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez lauded the India-US relations and the important positions held by members of the Indian American community in both the government and the private sectors.
Leading members of the Indian American community with some of them travelling from Philadelphia, Detroit and Florida, Congressional staffers and senior officials of the Indian embassy attended the White House function.