The sound of Muhammad Iqbal’s legendary song Saare Jahaan Se Accha reverberated through the corridors and stewards served paani puris in the lawns of the White House as the Biden administration celebrated the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month on Monday.
Monday’s event marked 25 years of the White House’s initiative and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. It was also the first time that leaders spanning five presidential administrations attended the event to recognise the contributions of these communities to US society.
Thrilled to hear Saare Jahan Se accha Hindustan Hamara played at WHite House AANHPI heritage celebration hosted by President @JoeBiden with VP Harris @VP . Paanipuri and Khoya dish was also served .stronger US India relationship . @PMOIndia @narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/1M5lViwbF2— Ajay Jain (@ajainb) May 14, 2024
May is designated as the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month and events are held throughout the month to commemorate the contributions of these communities.
The photos of the event where Indian music was played and food were served to attendees were shared by Indian-American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria.
US President Joe Biden said Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders make up the fastest-growing demographic in the US. He said they represent immigrants, dreamers and a nation of freedom.
US Vice President Kamala Harris spoke later Monday, along with President Biden and actor Lucy Liu, at a White House Rose Garden reception celebrating May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Liu said Harris’ election as the first female Black and Asian vice president was a “testament to the limitless possibilities of the American dream.”
Vice President Kamala Harris offered advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers at a separate event.
Harris was participating in a conversation moderated by actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang, when he asked her what it means to be the first vice president of Asian descent and how that heritage has informed her views and roles as a leader.
Harris’ mother was from India and her father was from Jamaica, and she’s the first woman elected vice president.
In a profanity-laced soundbyte, Harris said: “We have to know that sometimes people will open the door for you and leave it open. Sometimes they won’t. And then you need to kick that f——— door down”.
The audience clapped and hollered. Laughing at herself, Harris said, “Excuse my language.” Harris generally avoids such language in her public appearances. The aforementioned comments were made during the annual Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leadership Summit.
(with inputs from the Associated Press)
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