Indian Diaspora Joins Texas Governor Greg Abbott for Diwali Celebration in Dallas

Dallas: The official residence of the Governor of Texas was illuminated with vibrant Diwali celebrations. Governor Greg Abbott and his wife Cecilia Abbott hosted several prominent members of the Indian diaspora from across the state, marking the festival with great enthusiasm and joy. For the past eleven years, the Governor and his wife have maintained the tradition of celebrating Diwali at their residence every year.

The festivities began with Governor Greg Abbott and Cecilia Abbott ceremonially lighting the traditional lamp. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Greg Abbott praised the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora to Texas’s rapid development across various sectors. He extended warm Diwali greetings and personally interacted with the guests. The Governor and his wife posed for photographs with attendees, hosted a dinner featuring traditional Indian cuisine, and presented Diwali gifts to all participants before bidding them farewell.

This year’s celebration was coordinated by noted entrepreneur Anurag Jain and his wife. Consul General of India D.C. Manjunath and his wife attended as special guests. Over one hundred members of the Indian community from cities such as Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio participated in the event. Among them were Prasad Thotakura, Chinna Satyam Veernapu, Kumar Nandigam, Venkat Gottipati, Satish Mandava, and Neelima Gonuguntla, who attended with their families.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Prasad Thotakura expressed gratitude on behalf of the Indian diaspora to Governor Greg Abbott for his continued efforts to strengthen India–U.S. relations. He also recalled the Governor’s participation as the chief guest at the celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi held earlier in Dallas.