India’s patriotic song “Saare Jahan Se Achha” was played at the official residence of the US President, the White House, during the celebrations of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month on Monday. Indian fast food panipuri was also served during the event.
The occasion marked the 25th anniversary of the White House Initiative and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, an event hosted by US President Joe Biden. Dignitaries from five presidential administrations joined in to honor and acknowledge the significant contributions of the AA and NHPI communities to American society.
Ajay Jain, a White House AANHPI Commissioner, shared glimpses of the celebration on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his enthusiasm for the inclusion of the Indian anthem and the culinary delights. President Biden also addressed the gathering, recognizing the enduring impact of the AANHPI community on the fabric of the United States.
“From the rich heritage of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders to the diverse tapestry woven by Asian immigrants, the AA and NHPI legacy is deeply ingrained in our nation’s history and character,” remarked President Biden during his speech.
The White House’s embrace of Indian customs and traditions was evident, reflecting a longstanding tradition of honoring cultural diversity. Notably, previous US Presidents have celebrated the festival of Deepawali, and the current administration under President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden continued this tradition with a grand celebration at the official residence.
