Viral video: The White House event hosted by US President Joe Biden was abuzz with the soul-stirring notes of "Saare Jahan Se Accha," a patriotic song penned by Mohammad Iqbal during India’s Independence struggle. As the melodies filled the air, guests savored the quintessential flavors of India with bites of pani puri, a beloved street food delicacy. Amidst the celebration of cultural diversity, the event served as a testament to the enduring bonds between nations and the power of shared heritage to unite hearts and minds across borders.
The song was played by the White House’s Marine Band before scores of Asian Americans as they gathered to celebrate the annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month at a reception with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The occasion commemorated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the White House Initiative and the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. For the first time, current and former leaders spanning five presidential administrations gathered to honour this historic milestone and reflect on the progress AA and NHPI communities have achieved over the past 25 years.
The patriotic song was played twice by the White House Marine Band at the request of Indian Americans who were invited by the president for the annual event.
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Indian-American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria provided an inside look into the White House, revealing a spectacular celebration highlighting the lives and achievements of minority communities in the United States.
This is the second time in less than a year that the popular Indian patriotic song was played at the White House. The last time it was played was during the historic State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 23. The Marine Band said that it had practised this song ahead of the State Visit.
AA and NHPI Heritage Month
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month! This month is an opportunity to recognize the many ways AA and NHPI histories, cultures, leadership, and innovation have influenced all facets of life in the United States.
This year, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority (OMH) is observing AA and NHPI Heritage Month through its theme, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections, which calls on each of us to understand how the unique environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances (known as social determinants of health, or SDOH) of AA and NHPI populations impact their overall health.
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