Editorial November 2025

Posted on: November 12, 2025 by: Deshvidesh

Dear Readers,

Recently, I had the honor of being invited as a special guest at the Palm Beach India Association’s Diwali Celebration—a beautiful evening filled with light, laughter, and community spirit. The organizers requested that I speak on a theme close to my heart: “Unity.” As I prepared my remarks, I realized that this message is not only relevant for a festive gathering but also deeply meaningful for us as Indian-Americans in today’s world. Therefore, I am taking the liberty to share my speech in this month’s editorial column—a reflection on how the light of Diwali can also become the light of unity for our community.

The Light of Unity: A Diwali Reflection for Indian-Americans

It fills my heart with joy to see our community gather in celebration—families, friends, and well-wishers united under the glow of the diyas. The fragrance of sweets, the sparkle in every eye, and the warmth of togetherness remind us that Diwali is not merely a festival of light. It is a festival of hope, renewal, and the triumph of goodness over despair.

But this Diwali, I wish to speak about one light that must never fade—the light of unity.

The Promise of Our Community

As Hindu-Americans and Indian-Americans, we have achieved extraordinary success in this wonderful land of opportunity. We are among the most educated, accomplished, and respected immigrant groups in the United States. From medicine to technology and academia to entrepreneurship, our contributions enrich America every single day.

Individually, we shine brilliantly. Yet, when we look at ourselves as a community, we often fall short of the potential our collective strength could achieve. Our individual lights are strong—but together, they could form a powerful, unstoppable flame.

This truth became painfully evident recently when Kash Patel, a proud Indian-American, shared a simple Diwali greeting online. What followed was ridicule and negativity. More disappointing than the hate itself was our collective silence. We did not rise to his defense.

When one of us is insulted, it is not his problem—it is our problem.
When we stay silent, others define who we are.
When we stand together, we define who we are.

India’s Brand Ambassadors Abroad

During his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke words that should echo in our hearts:

“You are India’s strong brand ambassadors abroad. Wherever you go, you carry not just your success but our culture, our values, and our unity. In your shared heritage and shared purpose lies our greatest strength.”

How true that is. We, the Indian-American community, represent the essence of India’s civilization—its diversity, tolerance, and pursuit of excellence.

Look around any Indian gathering in America. You will see people from every corner of India: Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Maharashtra, and beyond. We speak different languages and follow unique traditions, yet share one deep bond—our Indian identity and our American spirit.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.” That test, I believe, is before us now—right here in America.

A Story of Courage and Representation

If we seek proof of what unity can achieve, we need only look at Pia Dandiya—the first Indian-American woman to run for the U.S. Congress from Florida’s West Palm Beach district.

Her journey—from being raised by hardworking Indian immigrant parents to becoming an educator, school founder, White House Fellow, and now a congressional candidate—is a story of grit, service, and vision. Pia represents the very best of our community: excellence built on values, success rooted in purpose.

But her campaign is not just about her; it is about us—about visibility, representation, and pride. Her courage should awaken in us the realization that our voices matter, our participation matters, and our unity matters.

If we stand behind her, we will be part of history in the making. But history doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when people act.

Every Indian who is a U.S. citizen must register to vote.
And every Indian who is registered must vote.

We know politicians pay attention to two things—money and votes. We already contribute generously to the economy; now we must contribute powerfully at the ballot box. When we vote, we shape the future not only of this country but also of our children and community.

Our presence should be felt not just in temples and cultural centers, but in city halls, school boards, and Congress itself.

A Real Example of Unity: Diwali in Broward Schools

Unity is not an abstract idea—it becomes real when we act together. A shining example of this was witnessed recently in South Florida.

This year, as a member of the Broward County School Board Advisory Committee, I had the privilege—along with other dedicated community leaders—to help pass a historic resolution recognizing Diwali as an official school holiday.

For the first time ever, just last Monday, children in Broward County public schools celebrated Diwali as a day of joy and reflection. It was a proud moment not just for Hindus, but for every Indian-American who believes in cultural recognition and mutual respect.

This achievement did not come overnight. It was the result of months of advocacy, collaboration, and persistence—proof that when we come together with shared purpose, we can move mountains.

I now encourage our brothers and sisters in Palm Beach County to take up this mission—to work with their school boards so that students there, too, can celebrate Diwali as a school holiday.

And if you decide to take on this effort, please know that I am always here—ready to help, guide, and support you every step of the way.

Let this light of cultural recognition continue to spread across Florida—from Broward to Palm Beach, from Miami to Jacksonville—until Diwali shines in every school calendar across our state.

The Deeper Message of Diwali

At its heart, Diwali is not about one lamp, but about many. Darkness is not removed by a single flame, but by the collective brilliance of thousands of diyas.

One lamp can flicker—but a thousand together can illuminate the night sky.

That is the deeper message of Diwali: collective light. It teaches us that the smallest spark of kindness, when joined with others, becomes a force of transformation.

So, as we celebrate this festival, let us become those thousand lamps—united in purpose, compassion, and pride. Let us stand with one another in times of challenge and celebrate one another in times of joy. Let us teach our children that unity is not just a noble idea—it is a living responsibility.

Because the next generation is watching. When they see us divided, they inherit disunity. When they see us united, they inherit strength.

A Living Bridge Between Two Great Democracies

We must remember that we are not just Indian-Americans. We are a living bridge between two great democracies—India and the United States.

Our values of family, faith, and education mirror the American ideals of freedom, opportunity, and hard work. When we act together—in our temples, our neighborhoods, and our civic life—we become a force for good in both nations.

Indian-Americans are already contributing enormously to America’s success. We lead in innovation, medicine, and entrepreneurship. But our next chapter must be one of civic power—participation, representation, and unity.

When we come together—whether to support a local candidate, advocate for cultural inclusion, or help the needy—we honor not only our heritage but also our duty as citizens.

The Light Ahead

As we celebrate Diwali—the triumph of light over darkness—let us also celebrate the triumph of unity over division, participation over silence, and action over apathy.

Let the light that shines in our homes also shine in our hearts—guiding us toward greater harmony, compassion, and community pride.

May this Diwali inspire us to see not what separates us, but what binds us together. May it strengthen our role as citizens of two great nations, as torchbearers of dharma, and as ambassadors of peace.

And may the flame of unity we light tonight continue to burn brightly—not just for one night, but for generations to come.

Jai Hind. Jai Bharat. And Happy Diwali to all!