Annapolis, Maryland, USA: Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, along with Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, welcomed the state’s South Asian community to the Governor’s Mansion in Annapolis for a special Diwali celebration. Lieutenant Governor Miller, the nation’s first Indian American to hold statewide office in Maryland, delivered a heartfelt address that blended personal reflection with a message of pride and inclusion.
Under the elegant chandeliers of Government House, the annual Festival of Lights honoured Maryland’s rich tapestry of cultures and faiths, highlighting Diwali’s timeless theme of light overcoming darkness. Dr Ahmed Nawaz, Vice Chair of the Governor’s Commission on South Asian Affairs, opened the evening by expressing gratitude to Governor Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore, noting, “Diwali reminds us that light can dispel darkness, knowledge can overcome ignorance, and compassion can bridge divides.”
Celebrating Heritage and Community
In her address, Lieutenant Governor Miller reflected on the importance of cultural pride. “This country allows traditions from every land to flourish while giving us the roots to remain connected to who we are,” she said, recalling a childhood memory of her mother wearing a sari in her brother’s New York classroom—a simple gesture that captured attention and became a local story. She encouraged the audience: “Never let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. We belong here. This is our home.”
Miller described Diwali not only as a festival but as a reminder to “ignite the lamps within us,” praising the educators, medical professionals, and first responders who embody this light every day. “Diwali’s light is universal,” she said. “It doesn’t belong to one faith or tradition—it lives in each of us.”
Governor Moore: “Light Will Guide Us”
Governor Wes Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor, commended the South Asian community for exemplifying “light over darkness.” “Darkness can only be pushed back by light,” he told the audience. “Nothing dispels darkness faster than the presence of light.”
He described Lieutenant Governor Miller as “a living embodiment of Diwali,” a figure who inspires children to believe that anything is possible. Connecting the festival’s message to today’s challenges, Moore added, “In difficult times, what do we reach for? Light. It shows us the way forward.”
Governor Moore also celebrated Maryland’s cultural diversity, naming Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, Sri Lankan, and Bhutanese communities as key contributors to the state’s unique character.
Community Leadership and Engagement
Gurpreet “Preet” Takhar, Chair of the Maryland Commission on South Asian American Affairs, acknowledged the Moore–Miller administration for fostering an inclusive environment. “We have witnessed Diwali’s spirit reflected in meaningful actions,” he said, highlighting initiatives such as expanded opportunities for federal workers, free public transit, and protections for immigrant and underserved populations.
State leaders, including Secretary of State Susan Lee, Commission Member Dr Bishal Bhandari, and Secretary of Higher Education Dr Sanjay Rai, were recognised for their partnership. Representatives from the state’s South Asian business and cultural communities, including restaurateurs and event planners, were also honoured for their support in organising the event.
Tradition, Reflection, and Proclamation
A speaker from the commission described Diwali’s significance across Hindu, Sikh, and Jain traditions, including Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, Guru Hargobind’s liberation, and Lord Mahavira’s enlightenment. These stories underscore the festival’s universal themes of reflection, renewal, and freedom.
Governor Moore closed the evening by presenting a formal Diwali Proclamation, acknowledging the Indian American community’s “substantial civic, cultural, and economic contributions” to Maryland. “Darkness will not prevail,” he declared, holding up the proclamation as attendees stood in applause. “Light will always triumph.”
The celebration concluded with guests taking photos with Governor Moore and Lieutenant Governor Miller, while the aroma of marigolds and cardamom from the buffet filled the mansion—an Annapolis evening glowing with appreciation and pride.
