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Governor McKee joins FIA Diwali celebration in Rhode Island
As part of the celebrations, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee officially kicked off FIA’s Diwali/Holiday Season Food Drive.
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Staff Reporter - Tue, 21, Oct 2025
- 23:36 EDT
- 23
Governor Daniel McKee, together with FIA President Abhishek Singh and several eminent dignitaries, inaugurated the event with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp ceremony. / Courtesy photo
The Foundation of Indian-Americans (FIA)– New England hosted its annual Diwali Celebration at the Rhode Island State House on Oct. 17.
The culturally rich celebration was attended by members of the Indian-American community and featured Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee as the chief guest.
The festivities kicked off with a traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony. Governor McKee was joined by other dignitaries for the auspicious lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Governor McKee greeted attendees for Diwali and the holiday season, praising the Indian-American community's dedication to service. He emphasized the value of community efforts like food donation drives, particularly with potential government shutdowns threatening funding cuts and suspension of programs like SNAP.
In his address, he noted, "If benefits are denied and programs like SNAP are impacted, it is community efforts like FIA’s food donation drives that will become lifelines for the needy.” He also urged everyone to “double down on service and compassion” during these uncertain times.
The Governor also officially kicked off FIA’s Diwali/Holiday Season Food Drive, which aims to donate over 20,000 pounds of non-perishable food items across Rhode Island and the New England region within the next month.
ALSO READ: Indian embassies unite diaspora in global diwali celebrations
As part of the FIA Diwali celebrations, two Indian American were honored for their socio-cultural contributions. Subrata Das was honored for his outstanding contributions to performance art and theater over more than two decades and Mohan Nannapaneni was recognized for his extraordinary humanitarian service benefiting communities both locally and globally.
Additionally, the Governor also issued a citation to honor the FIA Executive Team, acknowledging their continued dedication to volunteerism and community service.
FIA President Abhishek Singh, in his address, urged the community to embrace the deeper meaning of Diwali and said, "As we gather here, let’s not only relish in the festivity but take a moment to show the unity that binds us."
He added, "It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and spreading the warmth of our love and kindness."
The celebrations also featured cultural performances by Indian American artists. Maharshi Kondvilkar's classical performance and the performance by Kalakaar Indian Classical Performing Arts and Padmini Dance Academy were key highlights of the day.
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