A 500-year-old stolen statue of Hanuman, a Hindu deity, was handed back to the Indian government earlier this year, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who also emphasized the significance of religious freedom as a basic American principle.
He also emphasized that the USA supports religious pluralism by supporting efforts to protect important aspects of global cultural heritage.
His comments were made when he presided over the first Diwali reception after a two-year hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitors from the diplomatic, religious, business, and civil society sectors attended this event, which came after the White House’s largest Diwali celebration on October 24.
Blinken noted in his remarks to the diplomatic and civil society representatives present at the reception that they are playing a crucial role in fostering ties between the US and local populations abroad and in pressuring us to do more to defend religious freedom globally.
Biden commended the Asian American population in the US for helping to make the Diwali celebration a joyful part of American culture and wished a happy Diwali to the more than one billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists who were enjoying the holiday.
Biden praised the remarkable South Asian community in America for its tenacity, hope, and empathetic nature.
Diwali is a happy holiday that represents the victory of good over evil. The holiday is marked with spectacular lights, firecrackers, delectable traditional desserts, and gift-exchanging.
News Mania Desk
