US: Texas governor celebrates Diwali at official residence

NEW DELHI: The Republican governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, on Sunday evening celebrated Diwali with the members of the Indian-American community from the state at his official residence in Austin.

In a tradition being followed for several years, governor Abbott and first lady Cecilia Abbott were dressed in ethnic Indian attire as they greeted the Indian community leaders and lit a traditional lamp to commemorate the occasion.

“Indian-Americans are true partners in the growth of the Texas economy and they are enhancing the values of this state. We are glad they have called Texas their home,” Abbott said at the event.

Arun Agarwal, who serves as vice-chair of Texas Economic Development Corporation, a body that promotes Texas globally as a business hub, attended the event and thanked the governor for his support to the Indian-American community in Texas. Agarwal, who is based in Dallas, is co-chair of the Indian American CEO Council and had played a prominent role in organising Abbott’s maiden visit to India in 2018.

Several Indian American community leaders from the cities of Houston, Austin, Midland, Odessa and Sherman participated in Abbott’s Diwali event. Dr Satish Nayak from Midland, who serves on the Texas medical board as governor’s appointee, joined with his wife Sumana. Members from the Indian Association of North Texas and US India Friendship Council too attended the celebration.