Capitol Hill lights up for Diwali festival

Because our civil rights movement was built on the non-violent movement in India. Martin Luther King studied there, spoke there. We are blessed not only by that legacy, but also by the presence of so many Indo-Americans in our country,” Pelosi said.



“This is a truly historic event,” Crowley said.

Roskam said Indian Americans are an example of an enormous diaspora that is incredibly influential.

“You have the ability to bring together people from both sides of the isle in ways that are powerful and significant,” he said.

“When we look at the relationship between the United States and India moving forward it is a wonderful relationship that has a great thing in store,” said Roskam, who along with other lawmakers were welcomed at the historic event with red tilak, jasmine garland. A Hindu priest presented them a traditional shawl amidst chanting of Vedic mantras.

Starting his brief remarks with ‘Jai Hind' Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee said the relationship between India and the United States is strengthening.

“Our goal should be to increase and deepen this relationship with counter-terrorism co-operation, with more trade and investment and trying to make sure that we strengthen our ally India. And that is our intention here, whether we are Republican or a Democrat, our goal is to deepen this relationship,” he said.