Fundamentalist Christians attack Obama for lighting White House Diwali Lamp

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To fenwayfem:

The following scriptures says it all. You and Obama can pray till you're blue in

the face on the National Day of Prayer, or, for that matter, on any other day of

the year. If you're not praying through Jesus Christ, your prayers are in vain.

Galatians 1:8,9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel

unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we

said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you

than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

2 John 1:9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of

Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both

the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,

receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth

him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

 

Posted by: nikosd99 | October 17, 2009 10:10 PM

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Very glad to see a secular president... Definitely sends the right message

across the world. Some of the comments above from idesi88 are very offensive and

provocative. India as I know is a very secular and an all inclusive society. I

landed in once in India on the christmas eve and the christmas celebarations

were all over the city and festive that rivals the celebrations even here in the

US.

 

Posted by: srat | October 17, 2009 8:43 PM

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This is such a lovely action and outreach to the Hindu community in USA and the

World. Good for you, Dear President Obama!

 

For those who have hijacked our once inclusive National Day of Prayer and turned

it into a narrowly Christian event excluding Muslims, Hindus,Sikhs, Buddhists

and many others from praying, and asserting a Judeo-Christian monopoly on God: I

say the moment you are truly celebrating a NATONAL DAY OF PRAYER (for all

faiths) then will the President join you...and so shall I,

G-d willing!

 

Posted by: fenwayfem | October 17, 2009 6:28 PM

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This is disgraceful. In India, Hindus remember Christmas by killing Christians.

It is a shame that in US no one knows what happens in India and the elimination

of Christians, Muslims and Dalits. In Christmas 2008, many nuns were raped on

that day in India

 

Posted by: idesi88 | October 17, 2009 6:08 PM

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This is awesome start of a great tradition in the White House by President

Obama. Happy Tihar & Deepawali!

 

Posted by: pwel | October 17, 2009 5:13 PM

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" Lead me from Untruth to Truth.

Lead me from darkness to light.

Lead me from death to immortality.

(from the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad -- I.iii.28)

 

As the ethereal sounds of a Hindu priest's chanting of this Sanskrit prayer from

ancient Hindu scripture filled the East Room, President Obama lit the ceremonial

White House diya -- "

As the Holy Bible points out, there is only ONE who can lead us into Truth,

Light and Immortality. And it isn't Hinduism, Buddhism, neither Islam, nor the

myriad of

other manmade religions. There is only one ~ Christianity.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man

cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto

you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

John 8:23,24 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are

of this world; I am not of this world.

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not

that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an

understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is

true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

John 5:38-40 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him

ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal

life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye

might have life.

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that

believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

 

Posted by: nikosd99 | October 17, 2009 1:40 PM

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Did Obama mention the Dalit?

 

Posted by: Farnaz1Mansouri1 | October 17, 2009 12:33 PM

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This president is great at symbolism. Maybe we can make him a ceremonial head of

state and get ourselves a prime minister who actually does stuff.

 

Posted by: arswamy | October 17, 2009 12:13 PM

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Nice post. The White House Diwali celebration was momentous. Hopefully the

tradition will continue.

 

Posted by: mihirmeghani | October 17, 2009 12:12 PM

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Contrast and compare the intolerant comments from those of Abrahamic religions

(like Patriotslady) to those regarding Hindu or Buddhism.

By the way, anytime someone uses the word " patriot " along with religion, Jesus

weeps.

 

Posted by: coloradodog | October 17, 2009 8:53 AM

 

 

There is only one racist on this board and that is coloradodog, anti-semitic,

anti-Islamic as demonstrated in his recent posts.

An EgyptoChrister, going back to Mardu, coloradorabidog needs to make a

pilgrimage to the liquor store and give the rest of us a break. (Btw., hate to

break this to you, but Jesus is dead.) Lives in Mexico, but has all kinds of

worries about all them Others living in the US.

Seth, Marduk, Osiris, Baal rejoice, EgyptoChrister.

 

Posted by: Farnaz1Mansouri1 | October 17, 2009 12:12 PM

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" He has honoured both Hindus and Muslims but skipped the Christians' National

Prayer Day "

oh - those poor persecuted Christians again! It's true - Obama must be the

antichrist! Of course, there are many who see the " National Prayer Day " as much

as or even more about politics than religion - what Christian holy day does it

co-incide with anyway? I'm sure the pope or somebody is really mad at him

though...

as for the Jewish holy days (which, in the Jewish religion really are " holy " as

opposed to the fake " National Prayer Day " (really, do we need to have a day for

the purpose of government officials to tell people to pray?) - anyone with the

slightest bit of intellect and good will could easily find the appropriate

proclamations and recognition on the White House web site.

But I guess, as usual, when one wants to play the persecuted Christian and slime

Obama, using actual facts wouldn't really do would they? Amazing how so many

" persecuted " Christiams on here are really people of ill will who need to lie

and cast dispersions.

Why not crawl back under that rock of yours, surendranathyogi - the only thing

wrong with the " picture " is your jaundiced eye viewing it and trying to convince

other that what is false really is truth.

 

Posted by: hohandy1 | October 17, 2009 11:51 AM

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Today, Saturday the 17th October, is the official day for celebration of the

Deepavali (also called Diwali) festival in India. Hinduism as a religion is

nebulous- anybody can claim to be a Hindu if he believes in the broad philosophy

of " Hinduism " . The old books " Vedas " and " Upanisadas " broadly define this

philosophy. They have absolutely nothing to do with the religion that is

practised today. I just want to mention that there is no reference of

" Deepavali " in our " holy " books- it is just a local culture. 50 years back, this

was not even celebrated all over the country. That it is celebrated all over the

country today is related to " commercial " reasons (sale of fire-crackers and gift

giving, which is a real big business today).

Also, the quote from the Upanisadas has no relation to this festival - if I

recall correctly, this originated in the dark ages and is a pagan culture.

 

Posted by: ckm_hyd | October 17, 2009 10:44 AM

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He has honoured both Hindus and Muslims but skipped the Christians' National

Prayer Day and, possibly, the Jews' recent celebrations. Something's wrong with

this picture.

 

Posted by: surendranathyogi | October 17, 2009 10:29 AM

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Contrast and compare the intolerant comments from those of Abrahamic religions

(like Patriotslady) to those regarding Hindu or Buddhism.

By the way, anytime someone uses the word " patriot " along with religion, Jesus

weeps.

 

Posted by: coloradodog | October 17, 2009 8:53 AM

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As a Buddhist I am very happy to see this. It's often difficult to see my

religious choice slandered as some sort of oddball derivative philosophy. So

most times people learning more about Hindu religious practices is a serious win

for me.

I hope that those who stand against caste bias take some measure of hope away

from this if possible too.

 

Posted by: timscanlon | October 17, 2009 8:51 AM

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Clearthinking1!

Why is it that you're offended when I point out a factual mistake?

The Sanskrit for 'lamp' is 'deepa'. If he had known that he would have

remembered 'Deepavali'. In any case, he needs to study a bit more about Hinduism

and also take a leaf out of Pres Obama's book. That is, be a little inclusive.

Pres Obama is not a Hinduism expert but the good Urologist is trying to be.

It's no doubt a nicely written column but that doesn't mean I should not point

out factual errors.

Happy Deepavali to you, Clearthinking1.

 

Posted by: Michigan_Indian | October 17, 2009 8:06 AM

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" And India has the greatest number of Muslims of any country in the world "

Wallenstien, are you mistaking India for Indonesia? India has even fewer muslim

than Pakistan has. Checkout wikipedia or CIA factbook online for reference~!

 

Posted by: yasseryousufi | October 17, 2009 5:12 AM

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Michigan_Indian,

Your huge ego is showing.

Why not just appreciate and congratulate Dr. Shukla for his nicely written

column about the President personally celebrating Diwali for the first time at

the White House? Are you envious of Dr. Shukla or is your ego just out of

control? You don't have to answer.

 

Posted by: clearthinking1 | October 17, 2009 12:14 AM

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A very proud moment for this nation's many citizens and a proud reminder of this

nation's big-hearted acceptance of diverse traditions, peoples and rituals. The

President's sagacity, generosity and dignity is a perfect reflection of this

nation's great values. Never mind, the petty minds and the third-rate comments

that wrote here against him and the Hindu citizens of the USA. Sour grapes,

perhaps??

 

Posted by: Nparry | October 16, 2009 9:22 PM

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How nice...now about NEW ORLEANS....

 

Posted by: dottydo | October 16, 2009 8:11 PM

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Dr Aseem Shukla has not quoted the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. The quote was there

in Pres Obama's speech. It was also chanted by the Hindu priest who officiated

while Pres Obama lit the lamp.

Dr Aseem Shukla should also learn some Sanskrit while he's about writing this

kind of column. I daresay it might be easier than Urology. 'diya' is Hindi for

lamp, the Sanskrit word being 'Deepavali'. If he had known that he would have

been a bit more inclusive and recorded that in many parts of India this festival

is called 'Deepavali'.

 

Posted by: Michigan_Indian | October 16, 2009 7:55 PM

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Don't forget Shinto and Asatru. Some of their followers might be voters also.

 

Posted by: eldergent | October 16, 2009 7:38 PM

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Wallenstein,

Ever heard of Jewish American organizations?

 

Posted by: clearthinking1 | October 16, 2009 6:59 PM

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" Jonthom:

What do you mean when you wrote: 'As a Western, white indopagan ...' ??? Just

curious to know. "

debchatterjee:

Rather than take up space on an unrelated forum let me refer you to some

background: http://pagan.wikia.com/wiki/IndoPaganism

If you're not familiar with contemporary neopaganism:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neopaganism

Hope this helps.

 

Posted by: jonthom | October 16, 2009 6:48 PM

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Thank you, Aseem Shukla for the nice article. Pres Obama is thoughtful and

gracious. It is noted that he is first President in USA to personally host the

Diwali at The White House. Prime Minister Brown of Britain too followed the act

the very next day by becoming the first PM in Britain to host Diwali at his home

at 10 Downing St. The American people have a big heart, and are amazingly

inclusive - much like the Hindus: The Newsweek's Religion Editor, Ms. Lisa

Miller, recently had an article that compared the modern religious ethos in USA

to Hinduism.

 

Posted by: shilpy_p | October 16, 2009 5:53 PM

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Jonthom:

What do you mean when you wrote: " As a Western, white indopagan ... " ??? Just

curious to know.

 

Posted by: DebChatterjee | October 16, 2009 5:37 PM

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Wallenstein:

There is nothing called " Hindu religion " like Abrahamic religions (Judaism,

Christianity and Islam).

 

Posted by: DebChatterjee | October 16, 2009 5:33 PM

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As long as he doesn't start doing stuff with crystals.....

 

Posted by: RedBird27 | October 16, 2009 5:12 PM

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" Maybe someday He will even take time from His busy schedule to recognize a

Christian celebration -- but then again, probably not. That would violate the

sacred wall that separates Church (bad!) from State (good!). "

You Christians are sooooooo persecuted! As if the White House doesn't have a

Christmas Tree each year, or celebrate Easter....

From President's Obama's radio address April 11, 2009 - " I speak to you today

during a time that is holy and filled with meaning for believers around the

world. Earlier this week, Jewish people gathered with family and friends to

recite the stories of their ancestors' struggle and ultimate liberation.

Tomorrow, Christians of all denominations will come together to rejoice and

remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

" These are two very different holidays with their own very different traditions.

But it seems fitting that we mark them both during the same week. For in a

larger sense, they are both moments of reflection and renewal. They are both

occasions to think more deeply about the obligations we have to ourselves and

the obligations we have to one another, no matter who we are, where we come

from, or what faith we practice...

" As we celebrate Passover, Easter, and this time of renewal, let's find strength

in our shared resolve and purpose in our common aspirations. And if we can do

that, then not only will we fulfill the sacred meaning of these holy days, but

we will fulfill the promise of our country as a leader around the world. "

Boy - don't you feel stupid now, Marks1153?

You certainly come across that way

 

Posted by: hohandy1 | October 16, 2009 4:45 PM

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Uhm, Hindu is a religion, not an ethnicity. And India has the greatest number of

Muslims of any country in the world.

I am actually a member of several something-American orginizations. The

" something " always refers to a language or a country.

 

Posted by: Wallenstein | October 16, 2009 4:39 PM

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Our Dear Leader is sooo awesomely multicultural. We are indeed blessed by his

enlightened leadership. Maybe someday He will even take time from His busy

schedule to recognize a Christian celebration -- but then again, probably not.

That would violate the sacred wall that separates Church (bad!) from State

(good!).

 

Posted by: Marks1153 | October 16, 2009 4:30 PM

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Why is personal morality equated to the negative aspects of Hindu spiritual

belief ? As Dr. Aseem Shukla quotes from Brihadaranyak Upanishad, the message is

transcendental. Nothing to do with day trading or wife beating or drinking or

gambling. Those decisions are individual and personal. A Hindu cannot claim that

such and such shloka (verses) from this Veda or Bhagavad Gita or Upanishad or

Brahmasutra sanctions such acts. (This is unlike Xtian or Muslim holy texts

(Bible, Quran) that have direct connection with the existing mundane social

order, and hence bear a visible fundamentalist streak.) Hindus are as good and

bad as others, and to equate their misdeeds with the transcendental messages in

the scriptures or philosophical texts is simply racist.

 

Posted by: DebChatterjee | October 16, 2009 3:52 PM

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Seems Obama is willing to reach out to all except blacks in America. LOL Looks

like he di$ked you over quite nicely. Next time vote better.

 

Posted by: askgees | October 16, 2009 3:50 PM

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Do Buddhists celebrate Diwali? Anyway, we all should be careful of deeply

religious people of all faiths; Hindus- casteism; Muslims- intolerance and

violence; Xtians- only way to god;

And yes it is sad to know there were 3 Hindus arrested today in one of the

largest insider trading scheme. Shame on them.

 

Posted by: matahari2 | October 16, 2009 3:23 PM

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For those unfamiliar with Hinduism:

" India " as a political entity is new. But the underlying culture is very old and

is called " Hinduism " by outsiders (Sanatan Dharma by insiders). It is hard to

grasp what Hinduism means for people who have not seen it. They think it is just

another religon, but it is much more than that.

The concepts of Unity (Brahma), nonduality (advaita), nonviolence (ahimsa), &

Yoga (not just the postures); and ideas like vegetarianism and respect for all

living things permeate Hinduism. This is not armchair philosophy you will find

in India. People live this philosophy.

The beauty of Hinduism is that it has no founder. The knowledge and discussions

(Upanishads) speak for themselves. There is no egocentric founder, and this is

difficult to grasp for many. Hinduism is the source of Buddhism, Jainism, and

Sikhism. These belief systems are more understandable to the west because they

have founders, similar to the Abrahamic religions. But the founders were Hindus

who learned meditation and concepts such as Unity, nonduality and nonviolence.

They then came up with new and creative ways to present these ideas, especially

to people who need to follow a founder/messenger.

Over the mellenia, Buddhists, Jains, Jews, Christian, Zorastrians, Muslims,

Sikhs, and nonbelievers have found refuge among Hindus in India. It is the

etenal truth of Hinduism and Vedanta, and it was written down in the Rig Veda

(Book1,verse 64,hymn46) more than 7000 years ago: " That which is One, the sages

call by many names. "

 

Posted by: clearthinking1 | October 16, 2009 3:18 PM

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In other diversity news, the FBI today announced one of the largest insider

trading schemes in history has been busted. All the participants, which included

a founder of a multi-billion dollar hedge fund, appeared to be from India.

 

Posted by: Curmudgeon10 | October 16, 2009 2:42 PM

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I watched the speech Obama gave. Most of the speech was thanking the

Asian-American Pacific Islanders for their service (none of the people he

thanked were Indians) and to re-authorize the Advisory Council. At the end of

it, he celebrated Diwali. At the end, he signed this re-authorization bill.

So, it is good that he was there in person, but I suspect that he wasn't there

just for celebrating Diwali. In a way, he " diluted " Diwali by doing this other

political stuff.

 

Posted by: vivek1 | October 16, 2009 2:29 PM

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someone who practices all religions has none...

so what exactly is obama...

he can't be christian...

we don't idolize false gods...

is he muslim...

they don't either...

is he hindu...

well he does carry a small statue of the monkey god wherever he goes...

well...

what is he...

 

Posted by: DwightCollins | October 16, 2009 2:25 PM

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Aseem, Mangal and I read this article and it's well done.

 

Posted by: william07 | October 16, 2009 2:14 PM

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" the ACLU would have busted on Christians if WE had tried to have a prayer

service on government property "

Get over yourself - they have sunrise services every Easter on the Mall

 

Posted by: hohandy1 | October 16, 2009 1:41 PM

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So he's getting kudos for holding some Hindu celebration but he thumbed his nose

at the National Day of Prayer breakfast. He flies the flag of communist China on

the South Lawn, but has the cross and name of Jesus covered at a speech he gave

at Georgetown University. Muslims are allowed to pray at the Capitol steps, but

the ACLU would have busted on Christians if WE had tried to have a prayer

service on government property. Is anyone else seeing a double standard here???

 

Posted by: patriotslady | October 16, 2009 1:12 PM

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Happy Diwali! As a Western, white indopagan I welcome President Obama's

recognition of one of the major holidays celebrated by Indians and Indian

Americans. I only hope his inclusiveness will extend to celebrating Samhain on

October 31 with American Wiccans and pagans, demonstrating that this country is

not the sole property of any one religious group but a beacon of freedom for all

of them (and for atheists too.)

 

Posted by: jonthom | October 16, 2009 11:20 AM

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Keep up the good work, Mr. President!!! Of all your failed promises, I can be

most proud that you deliver on your value of cherishing our diversity.

Oh wait. You still keep sidelining some of America's minorities.

Even though I am tickled that you celebrated Diwali, I hope you'll work on

perfecting your celebrations of America's diversity!

 

Posted by: trambusto | October 16, 2009 10:38 AM

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" The Dow Jones reached a significant milestone yesterday, and news outlets were

abuzz with excitement. "

 

God forbid our " news outlets " learn something about INFLATION.

If inflation was still where it was before the bailouts, the DOW would only be

at 6300.

Nothing to celebrate unless you are a Marxist or live in Zimbabwe...

 

Posted by: ProveMeWrong | October 16, 2009 10:06 AM

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Not so fast Mr. President. For us to wish a Happy Diwali, get rid of the Pattern

Day Trading Rule first!

Wish you a Merry Christmas in advance Mr. President!

 

Posted by: seth_bing | October 16, 2009 9:29 AM

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Since many Indians are non-Hindu for example like me by calling yourself Hindu

American Foundation do you want to exclude Indians of other faiths? Is that

pluralism? My experience with Hindus is that they they are inclusive in India

but become exclusive once they land in the U.S. May be U.S changes them!. They

become wealthier and more powerful but more narrow minded. I am a Telugu

Christian but to be honest a nominal Christian. Peace!

 

Posted by: tjohn1 | October 16, 2009 9:28 AM

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chatard... Been to any town hall sessions lately??

 

Posted by: Rich393 | October 16, 2009 9:15 AM

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I am proud of our president and proud for America.

 

Posted by: bonnie6 | October 16, 2009 8:26 AM

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Sanathana Dharma is the parent religion of ALL religions today ,being practiced

worldover.Abhraham & Sara are reincarnated from, Brahmaa & Sara-swathy,the

creator aspect of the trinity of Eternal Living Principles=Sanathana Dharma.The

light within is to be ignited with spiritual glow,is the underlying sentiment

for all us in the world,as we all belong to one race namely,the human race.Happy

Deepavali.

 

Posted by: s007bala | October 16, 2009 8:21 AM

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Now we need to createis a Hindu college scholarship program for all Hindu

americans. And perhaps a Hindu/Sanskrit language course available to all

elementary and high school students. Like the Latinos and Jews....

 

Posted by: fumango1 | October 16, 2009 7:25 AM

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I take personal pride in this moment. A great day for all Hindu Americans.

Bharat Krishnan

Executive Director

Hindu Democrats

 

Posted by: bharatorot | October 15, 2009 10:00 PM

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There are the religious rightous that divide, and then there are the spiritual

beings that unite. It is nice to see a little bit of interfaith sharing of

blessings, as it should be.

All religons preach peace and brotherhood, however the violence betweens

religions, or the difference between religions being used as an excuse for

violence, has left a tragic mark throughout history and is evident still today.

Peace and happiness to the celebrants on this holy day. It is notable and

fitting that a Nobel Peace Prize winner, although of a different religion,

attend this celebration and light the Diwali lamp. The mind is precieves

divisions, the spirit transcends these divisions and acknowledges the Universal

Divinity above and below.

 

Posted by: DrWho2 | October 15, 2009 9:32 PM

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well, isn't that Barack Obama just the greatest thing since sliced bread! We

will present to you every day if we can someone to tell you how wonderful Obama

is. Happy days are here again at the Quinn and Meacham trash Christians and

Republicans show (which we like to call 'ON Faith " .)

PaY no attention to the fact that the ceremony started during the Bush

administration, because grumpy old George didn't attend. Oh, we for got to

mention the angel Barack couldn't make time to attend the National Prayer

breakfast this year. Politics is politics, isn't it now, ye faithful?

 

Posted by: chatard | October 15, 2009 7:13 PM

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I'm glad I happened across this article. As a native of one of the nation's most

diverse regions, I'm always eager to learn more, and very happy to see the

Dharmic religions getting a larger nod from the president.

May this be a sign of a closer inter-faith community to come!

Blessed Be.

 

Posted by: EdgewoodVA | October 15, 2009 6:52 PM

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Well-written, Aseem. A very happy and prosperous Diwali to you, your family, and

all Hindu Americans!

 

 

, " adishakti_org "

<adishakti_org wrote:

>

> co-founder, Hindu American Foundation

> Aseem Shukla

> Associate Professor in urologic surgery at the University of

> Minnesota medical school. Co-founder and board member of Hindu

> American Foundation.

>

> Obama Lights White House Diwali Lamp

> The Dow Jones reached a significant milestone yesterday, and news

> outlets were abuzz with excitement. Olympia Snowe's vote for the

> Baucus bill was plenty fodder for the 24-hour news cycles. But, for

> Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists in the United States, an epochal

> event transpired at the White House afternoon that should not slip

> notice.

>

> Lead me from Untruth to Truth.

> Lead me from darkness to light.

> Lead me from death to immortality.

> (from the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad -- I.iii.28)

>

> As the ethereal sounds of a Hindu priest's chanting of this Sanskrit

> prayer from ancient Hindu scripture filled the East Room, President

> Obama lit the ceremonial White House diya --and he used this Sanskrit

> word for lamp--with dozens of Asian, Indian and Hindu Americans in

> attendance. Never before had a sitting U.S. President personally

> celebrated the Diwali holiday, and with that one gesture, two million

> Hindu Americans felt a bit more like they belonged--one more reason

> to feel at home. Maybe that cliche' that all of our diversity adds

> unique patches to the American quilt is not as tired as we thought.

>

> Diwali is among the most widely celebrated festivals in India and

> spans all of the Dharmic religious traditions. Rows of diyas, or

> earthen lamps, line the homes of celebrants as prayers are offered,

> and for many, a New Year on Hindu calendars is marked. For the

> seeker, the spiritual significance is clear: the lamps symbolize the

> quest for knowledge and goodness that mimics the inner Divine and

> eradicates the darkness of ignorance and false values. As the

> President said in his address, of course, one does not forget the

> joyous merriment Diwali celebrations entail: fireworks light up the

> dark skies of a new moon night, gifts are exchanged and sweets

> savored.

>

> Jains mark the holiday as a time of contemplation when the last of

> their Tirthankaras, the great teachers of dharma, attained

> liberation. Sikhs celebrate Diwali as the day that their sixth

> founding Guru, or teacher, was released from the captivity of a

> Mughal emperor five centuries ago.

>

> The White House Diwali celebration tradition began during the George

> W. Bush Administration. And while the day was always a boisterous

> affair, despite years of requests, President Bush never attended the

> event, consigning the task to cabinet members or close assistants.

> But for President Obama, hope was high that he would attend the event

> this year--and he delivered.

>

> Of course, Hindus do not need a President to validate their

> traditions or feel more American. The religious pluralism of this

> nation may be under attack at times, but strong advocacy, thousands

> of temples and rising prosperity testify to a community's confidence.

> But the Hindu American journey to the White House mirrors the path

> that all major faith traditions took towards real integration into

> this country's religious landscape. From Preeta Bansal to Neal Katyal

> and Kal Penn to Vivek Kundra and Rajiv Shah, high profile Hindu

> Americans have reached the highest echelons within the Obama

> Administration. This year's Diwali ceremony surely happened because

> of their efforts, and may be interpreted as a nod to their religious

> heritage. There is an understanding that now at two million, Hindu

> American is a marginal demographic no longer.

>

> The Hindu American Foundation, of which I am a part, indeed felt

> honored and privileged to celebrate in the East Room with President

> Obama yesterday, and pushed hard two years ago as both chambers of

> the U.S. Congress passed a resolution recognizing the significance of

> Diwali. The spirit of that resolution was signed, so to speak, by the

> President. And in the future, when the next woman is sworn in as a

> Supreme Court Justice, here's hoping that no one will care that she's

> Hindu!

>

> " We're going to run out of things to be bitter about, " someone posted

> on a blog popular with young Indian Americans last night, and I knew,

> at least for a moment, our President and his Administration had done

> right.

>

>

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/aseem_shukla/2009/10/presid\

ent_obama_lights_white_house_with_diwali_lamp.html

>