SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, attended a Diwali celebration at a Hindu temple in the swing state of Virginia Sunday in an attempt to make a more significant impact on the Indian-American community.
During her time at the temple, Trump said the relationship the U.S. and India share will only grow stronger if her father-in-law is elected president. Lara said Donald cares deeply for the Indian people and their country.
Before she entered the Virginia temple, Trump was careful to remove her shoes.
“I really like Hindu culture and I respect it,” she said.
Indian-American community activist Rajesh Gooty welcomed Trump to the temple on behalf of the community, and said her presence at the temple meant greater and earlier preparations were required.
“It has energised the local Indian-American Community immensely. We will continue to assist and participate with renewed energy in participating with Interfaith, Diversity events,” Gooty said.
Inaugurated in 2000, the temple is the oldest one in Loudon county which has experienced the fastest growth of Indian-American community in the last one decade.
Trump’s own daughter Ivanka was originally scheduled to attend the event, however, the campaign felt her presence was better served someplace else as the dynamics of the election change almost daily.
Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chair Sharon Day of the Republican National Committee issued a statement on behalf of the party commemorating Diwali Sunday as well.
“Diwali marks a special time as our friends and neighbors of Hindu, Jain and Sikh faiths celebrate this year’s Festival of Lights,” said Chairman Priebus. “During this celebration, we are not only reminded of the traditions that many immigrants bring that make our country more strong and more diverse, but also of the many blessings we have in our daily lives.
“From the music to the feasts to the remembrance of Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh festival celebrating emancipation from religious persecution, Diwali also serves as a time for families to contemplate the past year, and what they look forward to in the future. As Republicans, we continue to support religious freedom across the country, so that all Americans can continue to share these great traditions with our communities.”
“We wish those celebrating Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, a happy festival of lights and a joyful celebration ahead,” said Co-Chair Day. “As the festival begins, let us remember these holidays which celebrate prosperity and a successful future. Happy Diwali!”
