Sent by Parveen Chopra

Washington, Oct 29: The White House celebrated Diwali on October 19, 2006 in the Indian Treaty room.

President George and Laura Bush extolled the diversity of the American nation which embraces every culture in the world. He praised Diwali Celebration by Indians who invoke Hindu gods to get their blessings for a brighter future and light their houses and demonstrate a rich history and tradition of Hindu faith as friends and family come together in a spirit of love and joy.

Almost 150 Indian Americans present were given a written message of best wishes to the community signed by the President of the United States.

Joy Cherian, former ambassador Bhisma Aghnihotri, Dr Parveen Chopra, Usha Chopra and Krishna Agnihotri

Prominent individuals who attended included: Former ambassador Bhishma Agnihotri, who gave the invocation address,  Dr Parveen Chopra – acting chairman and Commissioner of Human Rights Nassau County NY, former EEOC Commissioner Joy Cherian, Chairman IARC – Dr R  Vijaynagar, Commissioner Akshay Desai  and Joseph Mellokaran of the President Advisory on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs,  Dr Rajwant Singh – Executive Director SCORE.

The White House was represented by Karen Hughes, undersecretary of state for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs who emphasized India and America's friendship in making this world a better place and root out terrorism. Jay Heins, deputy assistant to the president and director of the Faith-based and Community inititatives, asked the Indian community to send their initiative proposals to help their communities through their institutions of faith to the White House.