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CAPAC Members Celebrate Diwali

November 7, 2018

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:

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

“Diwali is a special occasion to celebrate the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. It is a time of reflection and renewal recognized by millions of families around the world and serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of our diverse nation. On behalf of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I would like to wish a joyous Diwali to all who are celebrating. Saal Mubarak!”

Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-14), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus:

“I send my best wishes to all those celebrating Diwali in New York and around the globe. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a time for reflection, renewal, and peace. As people from many backgrounds come together to celebrate this joyous holiday, let us all be reminded of the strength of our diversity and the importance of setting aside our differences and working together as one. Saal Mubarak!”

Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus:

“Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is a reminder that there is always hope. No matter how tough the path forward, good will always prevail. Wishing all of those celebrating Diwali, a prosperous future filled with hope and peace.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“Diwali is a celebration of our universal aspirations for the world: the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. As millions of Indian-American families come together this week to celebrate the festival of lights, let us all join them in striving to embrace the values of Diwali — in our politics, our communities, and our own personal lives. To all who are celebrating, I wish you a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!”

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):

“Diwali is celebrated by millions of people around the world, and represents a special time for spiritual renewal. The Festival of Lights celebrates the triumph of good over evil, love over hate, and truth over lies, serving as a powerful reminder to us all during this critical time.”

Congressman Al Green (TX-09):

“Happy Diwali! On behalf of the 9th Congressional District of Texas, I’m wishing a prosperous Diwali to all who celebrate and continue to promote the victory of good over evil.”

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“Happy Diwali to the millions around the world celebrating the festival of lights. This important holiday to so many Hindus, Jains and Sikhs represents a time of celebrating light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and giving thanks. As a Hindu and the first South Asian woman to serve in Congress I am overjoyed by the beauty and joy with which Diwali is celebrated in the United States. As communities across the country come together to light lamps or diyas let us not forget the important lessons from Diwali, that dharma – goodness and righteousness – must guide us toward a better future and that light prevails over darkness even in the bleakest of times. To everyone celebrating in my home state of Washington and around the globe, Saal Mubarak and Deepavali Aashamsagal!”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“Happy Diwali to the millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world! I am proud of my Hindu faith and a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. This Diwali, I hope everyone has an opportunity to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Across the country, regardless of faith - I encourage everyone to reflect on ways to better serve their community.”

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08):

“For Sikhs, Jains, and my fellow Hindus here in the United States and across the world, Diwali is a time for gratitude as well as celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. I want to wish a safe and happy Diwali to all families as they gather with their loved ones, light lamps in their homes, and pray for good health and peace for all people.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“The Festival of Lights marks a long tradition of victory through perseverance – light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. I am proud to join those in the East Bay, across the country and around the world in celebrating Diwali. As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I wish everyone a happy, peaceful, and blessed Diwali.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the festival of lights around the world, and in my home state of New York! This is a joyous time when millions of people celebrate the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, light over darkness, and good over evil. May the festivities fill our hearts with hope. May the many lighted oil lamps illuminate our path towards truth and fairness. And may we learn to choose good over evil in our daily lives. As we mark this year’s celebration, I wish harmony, prosperity, and hope to everyone celebrating the festival of lights.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41):

“Happy Diwali to everyone in the Inland Empire. During this festival of lights, I wish those celebrating joy, peace, and prosperity. May light triumph over darkness, may good triumph over evil, and may we continue to work together to ensure that love always trumps hate.”

Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37):

“Diwali is a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair. I am proud to stand with my CAPAC colleagues in wishing everyone observing Diwali today across the country and around the world a peaceful and joyous celebration.”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“Happy Diwali! The Festival of Lights brings joy and peace to those celebrating in San Diego and around the world year. As lamps across the world illuminate, may we all take this opportunity to reflect on the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.”

Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08):

“Happy Diwali to everyone across America celebrating this exuberant and triumphant holiday. Diwali celebrants exult in the eventual triumph of knowledge over ignorance, wisdom over impulsivity, reason over folly, good over evil, and light over dark even in the toughest times and the most desperate-seeming of circumstances. As a fiercely proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I treasure the spirit of this magnificent holiday and express my ardent wish that the festival of lights will bring upon our nation and our people peace, prosperity, and happiness for the year to come.”

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.