During the Oval Office gathering, GOQii founder Vishal Gondal presented Donald Trump with a copy of the Hindu devotional hymn Hanuman Chalisa while participating in the diya-lighting ritual. Gondal expressed on social media platform X that he prayed for enduring friendship between India and the United States during the ceremony. The event follows a longstanding executive tradition dating back to 2003, with past observances hosted in spaces like the East Room and Roosevelt Room.
Key points
President Barack Obama established the precedent of a sitting president lighting a diya a…: President Barack Obama established the precedent of a sitting president lighting a diya at the White House in 2009.
Community leaders used the ceremonial diya lighting as an opportunity to advocate for fri…: Community leaders used the ceremonial diya lighting as an opportunity to advocate for friendship between India and the United States.
Over the decades, official celebrations have expanded across major venues including the E…: Over the decades, official celebrations have expanded across major venues including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, East Room, and Oval Office.
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US President Donald Trump participated in a Diwali celebration at the White House on Friday, which brought together prominent members of the Indian diaspora, including Indian entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna and former Canadian parliamentarian Ruby Dhalla.
During the celebrations, Gondal, founder of health-tech company GOQii, met Trump in the Oval Office, participated in a ceremonial diya-lighting and presented the US President with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Sharing details of the occasion on social media platform X, Gondal described the meeting as a moment of shared celebration and said he was proud to gift Trump a copy of the Hindu devotional hymn.
"A moment of shared light in the Oval Office. Honoured to celebrate Diwali with President Donald Trump and proud to gift him with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas's hymn to Lord Hanuman that millions of us recite for courage, devotion and strength," Gondal posted.
He said his prayer during the diya-lighting ceremony was for stronger ties between India and the United States.
"As the diyas were lit, my prayer was for friendship…
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