Indian Tech Entrepreneur Vishal Gondal Celebrates Diwali with President Trump at the White House

Indian tech entrepreneur Vishal Gondal participated in Diwali celebrations at the White House, meeting President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The event included a ceremonial diya-lighting and Gondal gifted President Trump a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa.

Gondal, founder of GOQii, shared details of the celebration on social media platform X, stating, 'A moment of shared light in the Oval Office. Honoured to celebrate Diwali with President Donald Trump and proud to gift him with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa, Tulsidas's hymn to Lord Hanuman that millions of us recite for courage, devotion and strength.'

Reflecting on the spirit of the celebration, Gondal noted that prayers were offered for strengthening the bilateral bond between India and the United States. He wrote, 'As the diyas were lit, my prayer was for friendship between India and America, and for the triumph of light over darkness.'

Gondal also invoked the traditional Indian blessing 'Jug Jug Jiyo,' wishing well-being and health on the festive occasion. He added, 'Jug Jug Jiyo, a blessing many of us grew up hearing, means 'may you live for ages.' It is the wish behind everything I do, and today I made it for everyone around the world: peace, prosperity, good health and longevity. Happy Diwali. Jug Jug Jiyo.'

Trump's Diwali celebrations were also attended by several notable diaspora luminaries, including world-renowned Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna and former Canadian parliamentarian Ruby Dhalla. The cultural celebration comes amid a major administrative shake-up within the White House.