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Houston Mayor Whitmire joins Diwali celebration, praises Indian community
The event, hosted by the City of Houston, featured dignitaries from the Consular Corps, elected officials, and community leaders.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 16, Oct 2025
- 02:06 EDT
- 27
Consul General D.C. Manjunath Mayor John Whitmire along with other dignitaries during the celebration / Indian in USA via Facebook
Houston Mayor John Whitmire joined Consul General D.C. Manjunath and members of the Indo-American community at a Diwali celebration held at Houston City Hall this week, calling the festival a much-needed reminder of hope and unity amid global unrest.
The event, hosted by the City of Houston, featured dignitaries from the Consular Corps, elected officials, and community leaders. Guests were also treated to a performance of the classical Indian dance form Kathak, adding a traditional touch to the evening.
Consul General Manjunath thanked Mayor Whitmire and the City of Houston for embracing the festival of lights and for “celebrating unity in diversity”, a reflection, he said, of the shared values that bind India and the United States.
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Mayor Whitmire, addressing the gathering, lauded Houston’s diverse communities for their spirit of collaboration and resilience. “What we’re celebrating today is the collaboration of people coming together,” he said, acknowledging county commissioners and community leaders in attendance.
Expressing gratitude to the Indian community, Whitmire said, “I knew I could depend on the Indian community to bring light into our lives and our communities. And we probably need the light — good over evil — more today than in anyone’s memory, because there’s a lot of turmoil in our country.”
He noted that Houston’s success is inseparable from its immigrant population. “I am sorry for our country that part of the fight today is over immigration, because as I stand before you, I see the immense value of immigrants. Houston would not be the great city it is without immigrants,” Whitmire said, adding that many Indian-origin residents have played a key role in shaping the city.
Highlighting the achievements of young Indian Americans, the mayor remarked, “Our young people — the Indian community’s young people — are some of our smartest, brightest students. We’re really just getting started.”
Whitmire reflected on the broader message of Diwali, urging attendees to carry its spirit beyond the celebration. “We need more light in our lives each and every day,” he said. “Let’s enjoy today, but remember there are people within walking distance who need light in their lives. Let’s continue to celebrate our diversity and collaborate — it’s going to be a great life to live with more light in our lives.”
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