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CAPAC Members Celebrate Diwali

November 13, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in celebration of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists across the world:

CAPAC Leadership

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“I am so delighted to join those in the United States and around the world in celebrating Diwali. This joyous holiday commemorates the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, which is more important now than ever as we work to heal the division in our nation and bring our communities closer together. As we take time to reflect and renew, let us remember the strength of our diversity and share in the light and compassion that this holiday brings. On behalf of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I wish everyone a safe and happy Diwali!”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak to all who are observing the holiday in New York City and throughout America! This holiday is an opportunity to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. As we reflect on these values, let us remember there is strength in our unity and beauty in our diversity. And let us commit to setting aside differences in the year ahead. I wish you all prosperity, hope, and joy during the Festival of Lights!”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:

“Happy Diwali to everyone in the Inland Empire and across the country. What a wonderful time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and goodness over evil. Although celebrations may be different this year, may the candles lit across the world bring hope, peace, and joy to everyone celebrating the festival of lights.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“Happy Diwali to all who celebrate in California’s 33rd District and across the country. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a joyous occasion celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists across the world. It is a time when family and friends come together to celebrate new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil. May this holiday remind all of us that light is stronger than darkness and inspire us to keep hope alive despite these trying times. I wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy Diwali.”

CAPAC Executive Board Members

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

“Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating in Illinois and across our nation! I’m proud to join my CAPAC colleagues in marking this joyous holiday that celebrates diversity and the rich culture of the AAPI community. I encourage those who celebrate with their loved ones to do so in a safe manner and adhere to social distancing guidelines.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“Wishing everyone across CA-17 a happy Diwali! Even in these difficult times, Diwali is such an important moment to step back and celebrate everything good in this life. Light will always triumph over darkness.”

Congressman TJ Cox (CA-21):

“Happy Diwali to all those observing in the Central Valley and across the country! I am proud to join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to celebrate this time of joy and togetherness. Diwali is a celebration of the fact good triumphs over evil, a hopeful message for us all during these uncertain times. As Asian Americans and members of CAPAC, it is our duty to celebrate and share the rich culture of AAPI communities in America.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“Diwali is a joyous celebration for millions around the world to reflect on and observe the triumph of light and righteousness over evil. Although Diwali celebrations will look different this year, the Festival of Lights is a time to uplift our communities and help guide one another to a more prosperous future. To all those celebrating in California’s 34th Congressional District and across the U.S., I wish you a healthy, happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“The Festival of Light is a celebration of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I wish all those who are celebrating in the East Bay and around the world, a happy, peaceful, and blessed Diwali.”

CAPAC Associate Members

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“Wishing a happy and safe Diwali to all who celebrate! While the Festival of Lights may look different this year, it’s unifying and hopeful message of light over darkness, good over evil, and understanding over ignorance is more inspiring than ever during this challenging time. Regardless of how you celebrate, I hope that this joyous occasion brings you peace, comfort, and prosperity.”

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12):

“Happy Diwali to the millions of people around the world celebrating the Festival of Lights! This beautiful festival celebrates lightness over dark, goodness over evil, and knowledge over ignorance as we begin the time of reflection and renewal that marks the Hindu New Year. Let us turn our own efforts so that goodness and righteousness guide us toward a better future in which light sustains and nourishes us even in the bleakest of times.”

Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01):

“Diwali is a time to praise the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is my hope that we take the spirit of Diwali with us as we move forward from this dark period in our country and into the light. I wish a safe and happy festival of lights as family and friends celebrate during the coming days”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“Wishing a bright, joyous Diwali to San Diegans and many others celebrating across the world today. May this year’s festival of lights bring peace as we reflect on the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. Let us learn from our mistakes, confront forces of hate and commit to cooperation as we look towards the coming year.”