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AIA celebrates Diwali at State Capitol with Minnesota Governor
Apart from Governor Tim Walz, the celebration was also attended by Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 01, Nov 2025
- 02:10 EDT
- 20
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz with the Indian community / Handout: AIA
The Association of Indians in America (AIA) celebrated Diwali with the Indian community and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the State Capitol.
This year's Oct. 31 celebrations marked AIA's third consecutive year of celebrating Diwali with the Governor, marking a continued recognition of
the growing contributions of the Indian diaspora to the state’s civic and cultural life.
The celebration featured traditional lamps, music, and a fireside chat, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and unity over division.
Vallabha Tantry, AIA Event coordinator said “Diwali, the Festival of Lights, reminds us that hope, goodness, and unity can shine through even the darkest of times—illuminating our hearts and communities alike.”
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Expressing his appreciation for the Indian-American community’s contributions to Minnesota’s economy, culture, and public service, Governor Walz remarked, "Minnesota thrives because of the diversity and dedication of communities like the Indian-American Minnesotans, who enrich our state in every way."
The celebrations were also attended by Consul General of India in Chicago, Somnath Ghosh. Highlighting the spirit of Diwali, he said, "Diwali represents the universal message of hope, renewal, and the victory of good over evil, values that resonate deeply here in Minnesota and across the world."
AIA Policy Director and Community leader Gopal Khanna addressed the gathering, emphasizing the community’s excitement for the Diwali celebrations at
the Governor’s Mansion in the future, and called for Diwali to be recognized as an official state holiday in Minnesota.
Expressing excitement over the festivities at the State Capitol, Govind Munjal, AIA National President said, “We remain committed to working with community
leaders all across the country to support cultural activities like Diwali that bring happiness and joy to all Americans.”
The celebration saw strong participation from across Minnesota’s Indian-American community, with several cultural, religious, and professional organizations represented. The Hindu Society of Minnesota delegation was led by Chairman Ganesh Ram and President Shajive Jegannathan.
Leaders from other key organizations also joined the festivities, including Asit Waghani representing BAPS, Satya Bajjuri from the Sai Baba Temple, Director Neha Markhanda and Vijendra Agarwal from CoHNA, Anjuli Cameron Mishra from SEWA International, Sheetal Jain representing the Jain Society, and Ram Gada from the Minnesota Historical Society.
Also in attendance were Shruti Rajsekar and Renu Kumar representing Twin Artists, Hitesh Patel from the Gujarati Samaj, Pavan R.S. from Kannada Koota, and past IAM president Babu Chimata, who continues to be an active supporter of community engagement and cultural collaboration.
The event was further enriched by the presence of distinguished entrepreneurs and professionals, including Jeyashree Seth, Dinesh Bande, Rakesh Kankanala, and Vaishali Jha, who joined community leaders and dignitaries in celebrating the spirit of Diwali at the State Capitol.
According to the organizers, "this year’s celebration once again underscored Minnesota’s commitment to inclusion, multicultural understanding, and shared celebration of heritage."
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