Chief Minister Raman Singh on Wednesday commenced Deepavali celebrations of the Indian-Americans in New York City on Wednesday. In his address, Singh appreciated the dedication, hard work and competence of Indian Diasporas, based in the United States.
He said that the grand celebration of Indian festivals like Deepavali in North America reflects the attachment of Indian-Americans towards Indian culture and traditions.
The Indian Consulate and The Association of Indians in America (AIA) had invited the Chief Minister as chief guest in New York. On the occasion, Singh also inaugurated the face book page of Indian Consulate General, New York.
Notably, the AIA was constituted 47 years ago and since last 27 years, AIA is organizing Deepavali celebration programmes every year at an extensive level, official informed.
On the occasion, Senior Diplomat Dnyaneshwar M Mulay, Ms Gale Brewer, several prominent Indian-Americans, and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Aman Kumar Singh were also present.
The Chief Minister said in his address at the programme that grand celebration of Indian festival Deepavali in New York City proves that the Indian Diasporas of USA have not only adopted the Indian culture but have rather been preserving it since generations.
People of all castes and communities hailing from India have created a ‘Mini-India’ here in USA, he said, adding, “If I am not wrong, USA has more than 30 lakh Indian Diasporas settled over here and more than 6 lakh of these are based in New York only. It is a great feeling to see you all prosper. Despite being an NRI, people here are not only attached to their roots but have a strong emotional connection with India.”
Singh said that preparations for Deepavali festival commences right from the occasion of Vijaydashmi. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil. Usually Vijaydashmi is marked by ‘Ravaan Dahan’. But in Chhattisgarh State of India, Dussehra has a different significance altogether. In Bastar area of Chhattisgarh, Dussehra celebrations are not marked by the ritual of ‘Raavan Dahan’ nor do the festivities of Dussehra are confined to just one day.
In Bastar, Dussehra celebration goes on for continuous 75 days. Worship of Goddess Danteshwari and Rath Yatra has got immense religious significance for the people of Bastar. People from different parts of the country as well as abroad come all the way to Bastar to witness the grand celebration of Dussehra festival in Bastar, he said.
Singh invited the Indian-Americans to visit Bastar and be a part of Dussehra celebrations there. ‘I am glad to say that Chhattisgarh is a unique State known for its richness in mineral of all kinds, whether it is gold, diamond, tin, bauxite, iron or coal. Chhattisgarh is one of the fastest growing states of India. Chhattisgarh is being developed as the model State of 21st century, which will become an important business destination for upcoming generation, he said .
The Chief Minister alongwith Member of lok Sabha from Rajnandgaon Abhishek Singh extended hearty greetings to all the Indian-Americans on the occasion of Deepavali.