Our Bureau
Saint Paul, MN
For Indian Americans across the State of Minnesota, October 15, 2024, Tuesday marked a historic moment, as the leadership from the community celebrated Diwali at the state capitol in Saint Paul, Minnesota with Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. This marks the second celebration in two years, putting the State on track to institutionalizing DIWALI celebration as an annual event at the State Capitol.
The celebration began with the recitation of opening prayers by Chief Priest Murali Bhattar ji of the Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN). A bhajan of Lord Rama was sung by Shruti Rajasekar, with members of the audience joining in and creating a welcoming spiritual environment consistent with the age old traditions of Sanatam Dharma. Following the devotional song, Siddhi Tantry, a junior at Wayzata High School, performed a traditional Indian classical dance. Several other high schoolers also attended the event and volunteered their time.
“We need to encourage and engage our children in important community events and prepare the next generation to lead,” said Vallabha Tantry, who was the AIA coordinator of Minnesota State Diwali function. “Amongst others, guests included leaders from the Hindu Society of Minnesota, BAPS, India Association of Minnesota (IAM), and the Jain Community Center making it a very inclusive celebration,” she added. Eminent leaders from the Business, Arts and Music, and the community at large were also part of the second Diwali event at the State Capitol.
Minnesota State Representatives Kristin Robbins and Ginny Klevorn, and other public officials welcomed and greeted the guests and expressed great enthusiasm for having the opportunity of celebrating Diwali with the Hindu Community. Lauding the contributions of the Indian American community as an exemplar in integrating and building trust, she said “I join you in celebrating light overcoming the darkness.”
Lauding the contributions made by some 40,000 plus Indian Americans who live in Minnesota, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan said, “As a parent, I know that creating a better place for our young people, that it is vitally important to ensure that our youngest people know about our family stories, their traditions, their identity, and they take pride in that identity and can celebrate their heritage.” In her heartfelt remarks welcoming the community leaders, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan emphasized the importance of embracing diversity and the role that the community plays in making Minnesota great.
The Lt. Governor also stressed the significance of identity and celebrating your culture and heritage, as well as the responsibility to ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and welcomed. Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic Party nominee for Vice President, issued a special Proclamation declaring October as The Hindu Heritage Month. The proclamation acknowledges the millions of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist followers living in the United States and the vibrant Indian community in Minnesota.
It highlights the immense contributions made by Indian Americans in various fields, including science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, technology, culture, and sports. This proclamation signifies the cultural richness and diversity that the Indian American community brings to Minnesota.
Lt. Governor Flanagan was joined by AIA Coordinator Vallabha Tantry, state representatives Kristin Robbins and Ginny Klevorn, as well as the chairman of the Hindu Society of Minnesota, Ganesh Ram, to light the traditional Deya.
Vallabha Tantry and Gopal Khanna representing the Association of Indians in America (AIA) in Minnesota worked with the governor’s office in bringing Diwali to the State Capitol for the second year.
Gopal Khanna, former National Vice President of the Association of Indians in America (AIA) said “AIA national continues to work in furthering its motto – “Indian Heritage and American Commitment.” He added, “AIA was at the forefront in starting public celebration of Diwali in mainstream settings as well as The White House. Now by doing so at the state and local levels, it should remind Indian Americans nationwide of the significance and importance of sharing our heritage with fellow Americans. The world needs, now more than ever before, the profound values enshrined in the Diwali celebration of light over darkness and bringing peace to the world.”
“The historic Diwali celebration at the Minnesota State Capitol serves as a reminder of the values of unity, cultural appreciation, and religious freedom that make Minnesota a welcoming and inclusive state,” said Vallabha Tantry, coordinator of the event. “Lessons learned from AIA’s work on establishing Diwali in New York and The White House helped us in planning what we could do at the state level.” She continued, “It’s good to see this tradition continues in Minnesota.”
Khanna added, “Now we need to get purposefully engaged in our country and fulfill AIA’s mission of “American Commitment” and become an integral part of the American experiment.” He continued, “To achieve that goal we need to first register and vote. Second, volunteer and give back to the local communities we live in. And third, most importantly, help the next generation become servant leaders.”
The vote of thanks for the event was delivered by Ms. Aditi Jha, a sophomore at Edina High School.
Expressing pride in the Diwali celebration at the State Capitol in Minnesota, Govind Munjal, AIA National President said, “We remain committed to working with community leaders all across the country to support cultural activities like Diwali that bring happiness and joy to all Americans.”
Established in 1967, the Association of Indians in America is the oldest national organization for Indian Americans whose motto is: “Indian Heritage and American Commitment.” For more information, please visit its website.
