Rupi Kaur Declines White House Invitation For Diwali Celebration; Holds Biden Administration Accountable For The Bombing In Gaza
The Indian-born Canadian poet Rupi Kaur has rejected White House invitation to attend a Diwali celebration. The dinner will be hosted by United States Vice President Kamal Harris. Ms. Kaur said the decline of invitation was due to the continued support of Biden administration for Israel and its bombing on the civilians of Gaza.
In a statement posted on her X (formerly twitter), she said she is “surprised” that the Biden administration find it “acceptable” to celebrate Diwali when “their support of the current atrocities against Palestinians represent the exact opposite of what this holiday means to many”.
I received an invite from the Biden administration for a Diwali event being held by the VP on nov 8. I decline any invitation from an institution that supports the collective punishment of a trapped civilian population—50% of whom are children. pic.twitter.com/J3V5om89Se
— rupi kaur (@rupikaur_) November 6, 2023
Ms. Kaur reminded that “Diwali Is the celebration of righteousness over falsehood and knowledge over ignorance”. She remarked that the current situation that situation of the Palestinians has made her reflect on “what it means to fight for freedom against oppression”. she also urged the South Asian community to hold the Biden administration “accountable” for the Israeli bombing on Palestinians.
She made it clear that, as a Sikh woman, she will not allow her “likeness to be used in whitewashing this administration’s actions”. In the lengthy statement, she also added that “I refuse any invitation from an institution that supports the collective punishment of a trapped civilian population – 50% of whom are children”.
Calling out to those who refuse to speak up she said “we must be brave” and added that “the privilege we lose from speaking up is nothing compared to what Palestinians lose each say because this administration rejects a ceasefire”.
The Canadian poet ended her statement by reminding her followers that it is one’s moral imperative to call for justice when a government’s actions are “dehumanizing people anywhere in the world”. She called out to the world and said, “do not be afraid. Stand with the world and demand a humanitarian ceasefire. Many voices will join you when you speak”.
Last year, Kamal Harris, the US Vice President with Indian descent has hosted the largest White House Diwali celebration in her home. The celebration included at least 200 prominent figures.
The Festival of Lights, Diwali is the celebration of light and justice over darkness. The is mainly celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and Hindus around the globe. The celebration can be characterised by the abundant presence of lights, colors, sweets, music and dancing.
