Hon.Nagesh Singh, who was in a jovial mood, wished a very happy Diwali and New Year to all and said. “US-India relations have never been better before in all aspects of high growth trajectory. We are engaging with the US in all sorts of issues. We mostly discuss issues of politics, security, trade, commerce, economic affairs and at times importance of Indian culture and the role it plays in promoting better understanding between our two countries is sidelined and in my view it perhaps overtakes all other aspects of our relationships and that is the importance of this function in this temple of democracy which represents the people and State of Georgia where we are celebrating Diwali function here today. And for this initiative, I would like to congratulate BAPS and Ritesh for starting this and I hope in times to come we can expand this participation not only in the State of GA but in the region if people are willing to come down. Our deep gratitude to the Governor and to the administration of the State of GA for letting us do this here.It is a symbol of their affection for our community and we are grateful for that. Let me say that at times some people describe Diwali as a Hindu festival, while some call it an Indian festival but I think it has truly become a global festival (applause) The message that comes out of Diwali is an universal message, an eternal message of Truth, victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and by celebrating this and spreading the message you are doing a wonderful service to people of Georgia, United States and rest of the world. We are trying to portray a message that there can be unity in diversity. Finally, let me assure you that my colleagues and I remain at your service. Please communicate with us, make your suggestions for improving our service and compliment us to it boosts our morale” (Applause).Ritesh recognized Consul (Head of Chancery) Mr.D.V.Singh; Consul R. Srinivasan; and Vice Consul (PS) to CG Mr.Thimothy Jetty and lauded the Consulate team for doing a fantastic job in taking care of the community and our needs, even at odd hours. (Applause)
Dr.Angelina Mehta is a Licensed Naturopathic physician at Progressive Medical Center, Atlanta. She has also been with the US Marine Corps for ten years where she has earned many promotions and decorations. She has proudly served in two deployments to Iraq in 2003 and 2006.

Mrs. Mehta spoke about the significance of Diwali, the Festival of lights. She said that it is one of the most important, popular and colorful festival celebrated in India and all over the world, traditionally by lighting the Diya (lamp) as a reminder to dispel inner darkness with light. It is time for family to get together, to pray together, to light the diyas and fireworks and to enjoy delicious food together. It is also an occasion for thanksgiving, traditionally celebrated with annakut (a mountain of food) with thousands of vegetarian items. It is a time when charity, goodwill, family values and the love of God are celebrated and reinforced. It is also a time of reconciliation and consolidation, to forgive misdeeds of others over the past year It is a time of renewal, reflection and resolution, of strengthening community spirit by reaching out to those in need, and to remind us of unity in diversity. “We are excited to share the festive spirit of Diwali with you all at the GA State Capitol for the very first time. My best wishes for a Very Happy Diwali and New Year to you all.”
GA Public Service Commission’s Commissioner Tim Echols, welcomed all to the Capitol and urged the Indian community members to come to the Public Square in January to March to meet and greet lawmakers and to build relationships. “I have learnt that relations matter if you want to advance agenda of your community, if you want to increase your importance and want your voice to be heard. I want to tell you about the Great Seal of the State of GA. It is on my name tag, it is on the Flag and on every door handle in this building. The three words of the official State motto are, Wisdom, Justice and Moderation. And as we celebrate this Festival of light and as we think of driving darkness from ourselves, from our neighborhood, from our State…I think of the importance of training our children in understanding wisdom, justice, moderation. There is so much we can do in Atlanta. Well, I stand at your service. If I can help the community continue to grow, continue to have influence. I thank you for your friendship with me.Our Governor is out of State today. We thank you for the many contributions you are making across many businesses, many organizations, in your own homes and schools with your children.”

GA State Rep.Hugh Floyd D-99(Gwinnett County), who is the oldest supporter of the Indian American community said that he and Ritesh bonded together and worked together over a long period. “I appreciate all your friendship. I live in District 99, where the BAPS Mandir is located. I have seen its construction from day one and watched the progress of the project to the very end. It is an amazing monumental architectural wonder. Thank you and goodwill.”

GA State Rep. Pedro Marin D-96 has worked with other Latino, African Americans and Asian leaders to organize the community to gain political voice through the State at various levels of government. He is one of the first Latinos ever elected into the GA General Assembly.Mr.Marin commended Dr.Mehta for her great service to the community. He said that the Capitol welcomes diversity. “We are not just white or black. We are diverse. He echoed Mr. Tim Nichols and exhorted the Indian community to visit the Capitol during January to March and interact with the GA lawmakers.

Ritesh recognized GA State Rep.B.J.Pak, R-Lilburn 108 who helped BAPS to host the Diwali at the GA State Capitol. Ritesh said that sadly Mr. Pak could not attend the function. He thanked Cathy for attending and helping with all the preparations.
Anand Mehta, CFO of The Boys and Girls Club of America moved the Vote of Thanks. He thanked all the dignitaries, BAPS volunteers and the guests. He further thanked GA Governor Nathan Deal, Lt.Gov. Casey Cagle, and Sec.of State Brian Kemp for being great partners in supporting BAPS.Mehta concluded with a hope that there would be a bigger turnout at the next Diwali celebration in 2016.

All attendees then posed for a Group Picture.
At the end of the proud and rousing and memorable Diwali Celebratory Program ,packets of Diwali sweets were presented to all.