International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath on Thursday shared a video of the US military band performing a popular Hindu religious song ‘Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare’ at the White House during a Diwali celebration.
“Wonderful to hear the White House military band play Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy Diwali 🪔,” she wrote in a post on X.
Wonderful to hear the White House military band play Om Jai Jagdeesh Hare for Diwali. Happy Diwali 🪔 pic.twitter.com/lJwOrCOVpo
— Gita Gopinath (@GitaGopinath) October 31, 2024
Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden had hosted a Diwali bash where he welcomed over 600 prominent Indian Americans, including lawmakers, officials, and corporate leaders, to the festive event held in a packed East Room.Â
Gopinath also attended the Diwali celebration and thanked Biden for the warm Diwali celebration at the White House.
Thank you President Biden @POTUS for a warm celebration of Diwali at the @WhiteHouse– celebrating light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Happy Diwali! pic.twitter.com/MsJB20x8Oo
— Gita Gopinath (@GitaGopinath) October 29, 2024
“As President, I’ve been honoured to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the  White House. To me, it means a great deal. As Senator, Vice President, and President; South Asian Americans have been key members of my staff. From Kamala to Dr. Murthy to so many of you here today, I’m proud that I kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America,” Biden said while addressing the people at the Diwali event.
Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr Jill Biden could not attend the Diwali event as they are on the campaign trail ahead of the US Presidential elections.Â
Biden also lit the formal diya in the Blue Room of the White House, saying that the South Asian American community has enriched America. “That’s the truth. That is among the fastest-growing, most engaged communities in the country you are now,” he said.
