Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller celebrate Diwali with the South Asian Community

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Acknowledging that more than a billion people celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, each year, Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized its universal message of connection that transcends cultures, continents, and languages.

Governor Moore was speaking at a Diwali celebration hosted by the Maryland Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs and the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI), on December 9, 2024, at the Wayne Curry Administration Building, in Largo, Maryland.

Referring to Diwali as a celebration of love, life, and family, Moore remarked, “Why Diwali means so much right now is because it’s exactly what we need. It’s exactly the nourishment that our souls require right now. It’s exactly the kind of filling that our hearts are asking for.”

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He reflected on the commitment he and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller made when they took office – to uplift and support Maryland’s South Asian community.

“This really is a reflection of people who believe that we are the epitome of the light that when it comes to being able to work collectively in our communities, we don’t wait for people to come save us. We do the saving,” added Moore. “We don’t wait for people to come up with the answers. We answer the questions. We don’t pick and choose whose light shines. Everybody needs to have an opportunity for their light to shine. That’s the power of Diwali.”

He expressed gratitude to his cabinet, and the entire team of the Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs for their leadership and dedication. During the celebration, he presented a proclamation designating October 31, 2024, as Maryland’s annual observance of Diwali.

Moore described Miller as a “friend,” and “partner,” and that both are guided daily by a “greater power,” in their mission to serve Marylanders.

In her remarks, Miller shared her joy in celebrating Diwali with the community. “Governor Moore and I are honored to celebrate this joyous occasion with each of you, because any time spent in the spirit of Diwali is a time well spent,” she said.

As the first South Asian immigrant elected Lt. Governor of Maryland, Miller reflected on her personal journey. “I stand before you humbled and deeply inspired by the power of possibility. My story, like yours and so many in our immigrant community, is a testament to resilience and hope,” she shared.

Miller went on to speak about her upbringing in an interfaith home where her Hindu roots instilled in her the belief about light. She added, “Light isn’t something that we just see, it’s something we create through our actions, and that hope is strengthened by resilience, and compassion becomes powerful when turned into service.”

Reflecting on her first meeting with Moore, she noted how she has consistently observed him leading with a “spirit of service, conviction, and compassion,” qualities she believes embody the essence of Diwali. She highlighted that this commitment is vital to illuminating the “path toward opportunity, justice, equity, and dignity for every Marylander.”

Chair of the Commission on South Asian American Affairs, Gurpreet Takhar, highlighted Miller’s historic role as the first South Asian American woman to serve as Maryland’s Lt. Governor, but also that Miller “amplifies the values of resilience, leadership and service that Diwali inspires in everyone.” He praised her efforts in advancing mental health initiatives, promoting STEM education, enhancing transit and work safety zones, and improving the lives of Marylanders.

Maryland’s Secretary of State, Susan Lee, celebrated the diversity of the Moore-Miller administration, describing it as one of the most inclusive in the nation. She lauded Miller as “brilliant, wonderful, and compassionate.”

Sanjay Rai, Maryland’s Secretary of Higher Education, noted India’s role as the leading provider of international students in the United States, with over 331,000 Indian students enrolled for the 2023-24 academic year. He encouraged prospective students to explore Maryland’s public institutions, which offer some of the lowest tuition costs in the country.

Atif Chaudhry, Maryland’s Secretary of General Services, reflected on his upbringing in the state, and on the South Asian community’s transformation from a small segment to a significant and influential group. He expressed gratitude to both Moore and Miller for attending the Diwali celebrations, remarking that this would have been an “impossible,” sight to witness at a South Asian event growing up.

Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce, Kevin Anderson, emphasized the administration’s commitment to fostering economic development. Anderson expressed his support for communities across the state through creating opportunities for wealth generation, and competitive wages.

Second Secretary (Visa) at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., Rajiv Ahuja, acknowledged the growing influence of Indian Americans and South Asians in the United States. He highlighted widespread Diwali celebrations at the White House, State Department, and other official venues as symbols of this progress.

Vice Chair of the Commission, Dr. Ahmed Nawaz, a Pakistani American, speaking of Maryland’s inclusivity noted, “This is the fabric of Maryland. We want to see the tolerance in our religion, tolerance in our culture, and see how Maryland grows from here. I’m really proud and honored to stand here and wish everybody Happy Diwali.”

Councilmember of Prince George’s County, Wanika Fisher, GOCI’s Executive Director, Larry Walker, and Dr. Sudhir Sekhsaria, among others also spoke at the event, where several cultural performances enriched the celebrations.

At the event, President of the US-India SME Council, Elisha Pulivarti, honored Miller with the Mahatma Gandhi Global Leadership Peace Award.

(Used under special arrangement with South Asian Herald)