Antony Blinken quotes Rabindranath Tagore at Diwali reception; praises South Asian contributions to the US

The Secretary of State also underscored the impact of South Asian culture on American society, acknowledging the diversity that strengthens the US.

Quoting Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken captured Diwali's essence at a State Department reception on Friday afternoon, stating, “Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.” Blinken underscored, “Diwali is about the idea that light will push back against darkness,” highlighting the festival’s universal message of hope and resilience.

In his remarks, Blinken celebrated Diwali's enduring values and the tradition of Diwali receptions at the State Department, which began a decade ago under former Secretary John Kerry. This annual gathering, he noted, has become a symbol of cross-cultural appreciation and unity.

Quoting Tagore, the State Secretary stated, "Now, you know this better than I do, but Diwali holds different meanings and practices for different communities.  But the Bengali poet Tagore perhaps captured the spirit of the holiday best when he wrote, and I quote, that “faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark".

This year marks a decade of Diwali celebrations at the State Department, a tradition initiated by former Secretary John Kerry. Blinken highlighted the importance of the occasion, saying, “So it was 10 years ago that Secretary John Kerry hosted the first Diwali reception here at the State Department.  A decade later, here we are.  This annual gathering has become really a time-honored tradition and one that I’m very proud and pleased to continue".

Noting that over a billion Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs celebrate Diwali worldwide, Blinken acknowledged the beauty of traditional decorations like rangoli, flower garlands, and diyas. He also underscored the contributions of South Asian Americans to US society, naming Vice President Kamala Harris, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma as examples of how South Asian culture enriches American diversity and strength.

He noted, "The United States derives so much strength from this diversity, including truly remarkable public servants – I can think of one offhand – the Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, World Bank President Ajay Banga, our very own Deputy Secretary of State Rich Verma".

Blinken further added, "It’s also a reminder of the many ways South Asian culture – and Americans of South Asian descent – have enriched our nation, from the novels of Jhumpa Lahiri to the fashion designs of Prabal Gurung.

In a light-hearted moment, Blinken remarked, "This year, more than one billion Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs around the world are celebrating Diwali, decorating homes with vibrant rangoli patterns, hanging garlands of flowers, and lighting diyas." With Diwali coinciding with October 31, he added with a chuckle, "I understand some people in the United States have even been throwing ‘Diwalloween’ parties. And if time permits, we’ll get to one of those."

Blinken closed his remarks with a wish for unity and peace, saying, “As we celebrate Diwali, may we keep working to shape a world more peaceful, more prosperous, and do it together. Happy Diwali.”

Deputy Secretary Verma shared his reflections, recounting family memories of Diwali from Punjab and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and highlighted how the holiday connects families across generations.

Verma, recounting his memories of Diwali, stated, "Diwali is a integral part of our identities, a powerful tradition that carries deep personal meaning and unites families and friends over shared memories, shared experiences, and shared emotions......I can remember my own family – my mother and father – telling me about their experiences of celebrating Diwali in Punjab, in Jalandhar, and the lights and the great sweets and the community that came together".

"As you mentioned, it’s inspiring to see Diwali and other South Asian holidays become part of our State Department culture. And a significant reason for that is the amazing work by the South Asian American Employee Association sharing our culture and traditions with the wider department", Verma concluded.

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, was also present at the Diwali reception, joining Secretary Blinken and other dignitaries in celebrating the festival.

(With inputs from agencies)