# Diwali Reception 11.8.24 - Date: November 8, 2024 - Type: Video - Length: 32:45 - Topic: Events - Video: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjU-R4wA_vE) - Transcript: Machine transcription, 2,822 words ([text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/youtube/mjU-R4wA_vE.txt)) - Mayor: [Brandon Johnson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor) ## Chapters - [0:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=0) Opening and introductions - [2:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=163) Festival overview and anthems - [7:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=448) Poetry and ceremonial lamp - [13:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=788) Mayor Johnson's address - [23:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1433) Consul General's remarks - [30:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1855) Closing and distribution ## Description Mayor Johnson, city officials and community leaders take part in the Diwali Reception at City Hall. ## Transcript [0:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=0) for the support, especially to the Indian American Business Council for sponsoring today, helping to coordinate this with our office. I am Beatriz Fonse de Leon. I'm the Deputy Mayor for Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights for the City of Chicago. It is a new office, a new position in our administration. I feel really honored to be in this role. This is some of the most fun part of my job, but I have the privilege of helping to connect with immigrant communities across the city to celebrate the joy and the beauty that our immigrant communities [0:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=35) bring to Chicago, and it's truly a pleasure and an honor to be here. We are gathered to celebrate Diwali. It is one of the festivals around the world that brings the most joy and optimism to communities all over. Known as the Festival of Lights, the celebration is a reminder of light overcoming darkness. And I think it's a reminder that we need, especially in these moments today in our world. Every year, the celebration takes place in different places around the world. [1:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=69) But in Chicago, we have been celebrating Diwali in a variety of ways. And it's a real opportunity for our city to understand and to see the contributions of our Indian community and the contributions that we bring as immigrants into Chicago. In a world that sometimes feels divided, I think celebrations like this really remind us of the kindness and the commitment that we have to each other, and that really helps us as we move forward, even in difficult times. So I [1:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=100) am joyful for today, but I'm also hopeful and grateful for the kind of celebration that Diwali is, and that will help us as we move into the months and the years to come. So today we give thanks for our blessings. We give thanks for the contributions that our Indian community makes here in Chicago and others, and the contributions of the many immigrants, migrants, and refugees who are in our city. And I think it's also an opportunity for us to look at our shared future [2:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=130) together. So on behalf of our city, of the Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights, and our team at the Office of Community Engagement. I just want to wish all of us and all of you a very happy Diwali and hope for a time that is filled with peace, prosperity, warmth, and lightness in our communities. And now it is my pleasure to introduce Dr. Neha Reddy. [2:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=167) Hi, everyone. Ladies and gentlemen, elected officials, community business leaders, My name is Neha Reddy, and I'm an OB-GYN resident doctor at the University of Chicago. It's my honor to welcome you all this afternoon to a grand celebration of the South Asian Festival of Diwali. As the deputy mayor already highlighted, Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant holidays in India and is celebrated by millions of people all over the world. It is a colorful and joyous festival that spans five days, with the main celebration occurring on the third day. [3:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=203) This festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, a message, as the Deputy Mayor highlighted, that is so important in our world today. To celebrate Diwali, homes and public spaces are adorned with small oil lamps called diyas and colorful lights. These are meant to represent the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness. Families and friends gather to share traditional sweets and snacks, light fireworks, and decorate their homes with beautiful patterns made from colored powders known [3:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=235) as rangoli. These designs are meant to welcome the gods and bring good luck. So it's a true pleasure to share in the celebration of Diwali with all of you today. We have a wonderful program planned. To start off, let's all rise for the American and Indian national anthems. [6:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=399) To kick off these Diwali celebrations, I would like to present Ms. Madhura Sane, who will present an invocation and welcome dance presentation with a brief narrative about the essence and spirit of Diwali. Mother Asane is the director of the Nurtia Natia Academy. With an experience [7:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=431) spanning over 25 years, she expertly blends dance and expression in her art. Mother Asane also acted in movies and theatrical plays, including starring in the web series Upside Brown. Please welcome Ms. Mother Asane. Dr. Reddy very beautifully mentioned what is Diwali. [7:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=462) I have written a small poem, Taken of Freedom, from what the world of art gives us. This poem signifies the true meaning of Diwali, which is inspired by a spiritual leader's letter that she wrote to one of her sisters as she was leaving this world. I read that letter and got inspired and made this poem about the deepest meaning of what Diwali means to the entire human beings. [8:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=503) Vivali, the Pabali, a name that sings, a festival of lights where joy takes wing. More than mere celebration, it's the truth to be found. For light nurtures life, it is in this warmth we are bound. In each flickering flame, we seek to ignite the power to conquer our shadows with light. [8:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=539) Narkasura's darkness, with envy and fear, we battle the demons, make negativity clear. The essence of Diwali, a journey within, to share. To care, let the transformation begin. As ego dissolves and true freedom we find, the light of our spirit shines brightly unconfined. [9:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=573) Five days of renewal, each moment a guide. In this quest for the light, let love be our stride. For within us resides the divine pure design In every heartbeat may our spirits align I apologize for the poor quality of sound [12:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=752) Sorry, thank you [13:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=788) It is now my honor and privilege to invite the esteemed Mayor of Chicago The Honorable Mayor Brandon Johnson To come forward and lead the lamp lighting which symbolizes the essence and spirit of Diwali. May I also invite the following dignitaries and elected officials to join the mayor. United States Congressman Danny Davis. Ambassador Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India. [13:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=821) Ram Villavallam, State Senator. Shweta Bade, Alderwoman of City of Aurora. Smita Shah from Delhi, Chicago. Commissioner Tara Stamp. Dr. Bharat Bharai. [14:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=855) Dr. Srinivas Reddy, Mr. Ajit Singh, Mr. Mafat Patel, Mr. Sunil Shah, Mr. Neel Koth, Ram Chakraborty, Kalpesh Joshi, Mr. Kirti Kumar Ravuri, [15:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=903) Subu Ayer Krishna Bansal Harry Mohan Dr. Radhika Chimata Vinesh Virani Dr. Vemari Murthy and Mr. Ajay Agnitotri [15:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=936) Mr. Anand Tiwari will now recite a mantra City Trazier, my sister Malisha, please come here Ajay, she just came [16:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=969) Okay, we can start the lamp lighting now. May I request the Mayor and Dr. Srinivas Reddy, Dr. Bharat Bharai, Consul General Somnath Ghosh, Smita Shah, Shweta B. Alderman, Congressman Danny Davis to take the opportunity to light the lamp. Om Swastina Indra Vadasava, Swastina Puka Vishwaveda, Swastina Starakshyo Arishtanevi, Swastina Avrahas Paterdhavatu, [16:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1002) Om Prishwa Prishnima Tadara, Shuvam Yavano Vigdeshu Jagmaya, Agnir Jivwa Devah Avasag Minna, Badram Karne Mi Sharanayam Devah, Pashimaksh Bijayratra Sira Rangay Shudun. Om Mangalam Bhagwana Vishnu, Mangalam Garuda Dvajam, Mangalam Punduri Kaakshu, Mangalaya Tanohari, Sarv Mangal Mangaliyay, Shivay Sarwarth Saadike, Sharandiyay Trambake Gauri, Narayani Navosute. [17:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1039) Thank you, everyone. [18:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1095) Please take your seats. Ladies and gentlemen, if you can please take your seat so that we could proceed with the program. Thank you. Absolutely. Sure. Okay. Thank you, everyone. [18:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1126) We're going to move on with the program now. Can everyone please sit? I think the mayor had to leave. He has some other engagement, so we need to finish this thing ASAP. So please have your seat. It now gives me the honor and privilege to present the mayor of the city of Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson. Brandon Johnson is an American educator and politician who is currently serving as the 57th mayor of Chicago since 2023. [19:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1163) Mayor Johnson previously served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. A son of a pastor and one of 10 children, Mayor Johnson has always strived to support marginalized communities across the city. He's passionately committed and devoted to building a stronger and more prosperous Chicago for all, especially for working families, immigrant communities, and people living with mental illness. Please welcome Mayor Johnson. Thank you very much. Good afternoon, everyone. [19:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1194) It is truly an honor to celebrate today this amazing Diwali Festival celebration. I'm grateful for all of the leaders that are here today. Of course, to my congressman, to our city treasurer, to my county commissioner. I will say this, for Diwali Festival celebration, the west side of Chicago is well represented. I want to thank again all of the elected officials, but I also want to thank the business leaders [20:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1225) that are here today and the performers for joining us this incredible celebration you know chicago is a city that is made up of many different neighborhoods and cultures the diversity of our city and the diversity of our communities is really the ongoing dynamic that allows us to be as strong as we are it's through our diversity and our ongoing cultural exchanges that allow us to be the greatest city in the world. [20:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1255) Our Indian American community have made incredible contributions and achieved greatness across diverse fields, including politics, science, literature, the arts, just to name a few. And that is why I'm happy to see so many of you that are here today gathered to celebrate the great tradition of Dwali here at City Hall. Dwali is one of India's largest festivals and holds a great importance to the people of India. [21:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1288) This festival of light signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and it acknowledges wisdom over ignorance. Today, people of all faiths in India and in the cities across the country come together. We come together to spread peace amongst people and share in this inspiring and hopeful message of Dwali. And now more than ever, we need peace, we need love and harmony in our society. We need the peace and harmony in our society to make sure that people here in the city of Chicago [22:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1323) and across this country know that the city of Chicago is still the place for people groups from around the globe call home. I do want to thank the American Business Council and the Consulate General of India here in Chicago for their ongoing leadership and their guidance. I want to give a special congratulations to the Patel brothers celebrating 50 years of local grocery. I also want to acknowledge Umar Ahmed, CEO of the National Soil Testing and the other commitment to construction and diversity. [22:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1360) Can you all give it up for Brother Umar Ahmed as well? So in closing, it's important for celebrations like this that allow us to continue to come together, come together to share our culture, our history, and our traditions, while also showing just how connected each and every one of us, how connected we are to one another. And so I'm hopeful that this moment will allow us to continue to spread light, joy, peace, and prosperity, [23:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1392) and true brother and sisterhood that Dwally brings. So let's continue to work to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago. to make sure that we are prosperous for everyone. Thank you all, and may God bless you. Okay, sir, if you take one more picture of you, I'm going to start charging you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Good to see you, brother. Good to see you. Take a picture. Okay, please take a picture, please. Hello? Come, come, come, come. [23:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1422) Take a picture. Thank you so much, Mayor Johnson. Next, we'd like to present the Consul General of India, Ambassador Somnath Ghosh, to share a few words. Honorable Brendan Johnson, Mayor and his wonderful team, Deputy Mayor, the Treasury Secretary, [24:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1461) our most popular Danny Davis representative. We have here other elected officials, Ram Bilivalam, we have here Swetha, and all others, wonderful men and women we have here, Dr. Barai. Today in this most beautiful, one of the world's greatest cities, Chicago, we are celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights and hope. Diwali transcends boundaries of all identities, [24:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1491) lighting up lives with hope, promise, unity and joy in the community. Diwali is not just a festival. It is the essence of India. Every autumn we celebrate Diwali. We remind also ourselves that our resilience and strength come from diversity, inclusiveness and the hope that we share as a community. The very core values that drive forward both our democracies, India and the United States. [25:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1525) India with its vast mosaic of languages, religions and cultures stand tall as the world's largest democracy. Our diversity is our strength. Every region, every community, every individual contributes a unique thread to the vibrant tapestry of India's society. Both our democracies, India and United States, have thrived on the idea that diversity is not a challenge to be managed, but a treasure to be celebrated. [25:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1555) Inclusiveness and compassion are at the heart of India. It is our commitment that no voice, however small, goes unheard. This philosophy of inclusiveness inspired millions, not just within India, but globally. and has found a unique resonance here in the United States. Over the years, the Indian-American community has become an invaluable part of American life, enriching it in countless ways. [26:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1588) In the challenging world of innovation, Indian origin leaders are steering some of the world's most influential companies, from Silicon Valley to the East Coast, and of course in Chicago. These innovators have not merely transformed industries, but advanced the goals of expanding opportunities that lie at the heart of American dream. In academia and research, in politics, everywhere you talk about, Indian Americans are breaking new grounds, [27:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1620) expanding the horizons of knowledge in fields from medicine to technology, from climate science to social science. In business, the entrepreneurial spirit of Indian-Americans are contributing billions to the American economy, creating jobs and fostering economic growth that benefits all. Across the country, whether in the boardroom or in the classroom, in hospitals or at the helm of startups, the Indian diaspora has become a driving force for progress and for prosperity. [27:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1654) This impact goes beyond numbers and achievements. The Indian community has brought with it the warmth of Indian culture, the value of close-knit family, of compassion and the joy of festivals like Diwali and Holi, enriching America's cultural fabric. Through Diwali and other celebrations, the diaspora helps foster understanding and our unity in diversity, bridging gaps and building lasting friendships across communities and national boundaries. [28:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1687) To all of you, I wish Diwali filled with happiness, with peace and prosperity. May the light of this festival continue to inspire us. work together for a future that is brighter more inclusive and full of possibilities happy diwali ladies and gentlemen we're going to have a moment of presentation by led by dr barad bright dr sinwas ready ajee singh of course we'll request melissa being the city treasurer to join [28:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1722) on this podium to give away the memento to the honorable mayor brandon johnson mr mayor we want in token of appreciation for your time and your warm welcome, we would like to and also like Congressman Dan Davis and also Mr. Ambassador Swamnath Ghosh to join in the Memento presentation. Ajit Khan? Yes, that's it. [29:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1754) Congressman, please. May I request? This is a Memento, ladies and gentlemen, presenter on behalf of the Indian American Business Council. Please put your hands together for Indian American Business Council. And we have Sean. [30:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1817) Thank you, sir. Thank you for coming. Thank you for joining us. Ladies and gentlemen, please have your seat. I know Mayor has to leave. [30:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1849) Thank you, everyone. Okay, everyone. Thank you so much. We would love to hear a few remarks from U.S. Congressman Danny Davis. Happy Diwala Day. Let us celebrate as we all celebrate. It's always a pleasure to be with the Indian American community. I've had the good opportunity to celebrate Diwali in Washington, D.C. on last year. [31:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1886) I think there were 200,000 people there at the event. Happy Diwali Day to us all. It's a pleasure to be here. Thank you, Congressman Danny Davis. please put your hands together for congressman and now now it was dr barat baratug offer the diwali greetings followed by dr srinivas ready so i'm the mayor is leaving right now but i can ask everyone please take a seat may i request dr srinivas ready to offer greetings while the mayor [32:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1922) is exiting. Good afternoon. That's okay. I think we'll conclude. We'll conclude, no? I think so. No point. I know, no point. Oh, and it's no point. Yeah, yeah. We're not paying attention. It's okay. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a Diwali [32:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE?t=1954) sweets to be distributed. Please help yourself. There are sweet boxes way in the back. One box per family. Thank you. Sources and methods: [how we get and count this data](/about#methods) · [report an error](/about#corrections) --- Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/mjU-R4wA_vE · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt