This time, US President Donald Trump celebrated the festival of Diwali with great enthusiasm and warmth with the Indian community at the White House. Many eminent Indian-Americans and industry leaders of America participated in this traditional Deepotsav program organized in the Oval Office. On this special occasion, well-known Indian entrepreneur Vishal Gondal gifted a copy of 'Hanuman Chalisa', the holy book of Hindu religion, to US President Donald Trump. During this time, wishes for peace, prosperity and good health were expressed across the world. Such cultural events at the White House present a beautiful example of the strengthening cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries, but at the same time, it has also sparked debate on the serious issues facing immigrants living in America. Safety of NRIs is a big question amid cultural events. On one hand, the light of lamps and the echo of Indian culture was being heard in the White House, while on the other hand, the ever-increasing racial violence, hate crimes and hate speech on American soil are giving sleepless nights to the Indian diaspora. Every day there are reports of attacks on citizens of Indian origin, students and shopkeepers from different states of America. Recent incidents of targeting of migrants by some right-wing and extremist groups have deepened the sense of insecurity within the Indian-American community. People are now openly asking the question whether these high-profile cultural events of the White House will be able to effectively curb the racial violence against Indian immigrants at the ground level or will it remain just a show of politics and diplomacy. Will the Trump administration take strict action against racial and hate crimes? Millions of Indians living in America, who are making important contributions to the country's economy as doctors, engineers, scientists, and big businessmen, have been demanding strong laws for their safety for a long time. Experts believe that merely celebrating Diwali or giving token appreciation on cultural platforms cannot stop the increasing prejudice and hate crimes against migrants. For this, the American administration will have to adopt a very strict attitude on the law and order front and ensure provision of quick and strict punishment in cases of hate crimes. The Indian community is hoping that after the spiritual moments like direct access to the top leadership of the White House and exchange of holy scriptures like Hanuman Chalisa, the US government will keep the safety of the Indian diaspora at the top of its priorities so that no racist forces can hurt their self-respect and lives.
