Last evening the US president Barack Obama posted an image of him lighting a Diwali lamp in the Oval office on Facebook. Along with the photo, Obama’s post also carried a message highlighting the ethos behind the festival.
To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognize that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Clearly talking to the Americans who are following India-origin religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism, Obama spoke about shared American experience.
It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It’s a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together. And it’s a time to renew our collective obligation to deepen those bonds, to stand in each other’s shoes and see the world through each other’s eyes, and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters – and as fellow Americans.
And just when you got that nice festive feeling, someone on social media decided to ruin it. First, it began when many commended Obama for lighting the Diwali lamp for the first time in Oval Office, while others had issues with it. As usual, it became a ‘bhakts’ versus ‘non-bhakts’ tweet fight.
“US President Obama celebrating Diwali in White House.” Thanks @BarackObama ji . pic.twitter.com/HrN9nnBQD0
— NAYAN MANI KUMAR (@satyanusaran) October 31, 2016
US President Obama celebrating Diwali in White House. Here is the Proof @ArvindKejriwal pic.twitter.com/zlzvdu5aWT
— Ramrao Kulkarni (@RamraoKP_) October 31, 2016
Even Indian-American actor and Obama supporter Kal Penn tweeted about the significance of the moment.
This is pretty amazing. A sitting president observing Diwali in the Oval Office. Bet that’s a first!
However, the actor was later corrected by Pawan Khera, who was the political secretary to former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit.
No sir, not a first. Here’s a 2009 link – https://t.co/WII1Jh2txI https://t.co/RdcAjkApSr
— Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) October 31, 2016
Correct. He was 1st POTUS to personally observe Diwali in 2009 & now 1st to do so inside Oval Office. 43 hosted in EEOB but didn’t attend https://t.co/B43Zgh8QNC
— Kal Penn (@kalpenn) October 31, 2016
The debate on President Obama celebrating Diwali in the White House did not end with that as even the Senior Journalist Prabhu Chawla joined the spate.
My Twitter handle says ” Page not found”. https://t.co/rMU9Jf4PHL
— Prabhu Chawla (@PrabhuChawla) October 31, 2016
The Discussion took a steep turn as the duo debated if Indians needed US’ approval for proving the significance of their festivals.
Why should @POTUS celebrating #Diwali feed into our collective machismo? Are we so insecure that we seek US approval for even our festivals?
— Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) October 31, 2016
So after winning 2012 elections @POTUS forgot to revive it again on the eve of 2016 elections?Just asking to clear any doubt? https://t.co/18JjLKQr1d
— Prabhu Chawla (@PrabhuChawla) October 31, 2016
question is why are Bhaktas in our media desperate to prove this to be the first ever? Do we really need global approval for our festivals? https://t.co/phZx2FrY2z
— Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) October 31, 2016
No. We don’t. But why use Diwali Celebration @POTUS for scoring pol brownie points? For Americans it’s pol expediency for commerce. Period https://t.co/xX1Cq949d7
— Prabhu Chawla (@PrabhuChawla) October 31, 2016
As the discussion on Obama celebrating Diwali in the White House continues, the fact is that President Obama has been celebrating Diwali since 2009. Here is the proof:
2009
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