"The White House will host a Diwali function to honour Indian Americans, and we are thankful that President George W Bush will send an administration official on his behalf to share this joyous occasion with us," IARC Chairman R Vijayanagar said in a statement.
"I want to express my sincere thanks to the White House staff, especially Rhonda Keenum, Deputy Assistant to the president and director of public liaison, for helping arrange the Diwali celebration 2005," he said.
"Our community works with these dedicated public servants on an ongoing basis, creating a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas. The White House continues to encourage Indian Americans to become part of mainstream conservative movement, and this event is another example of solid support for our community," Vijayanagar said.
Diwali will be officially celebrated at the White House on November 1.
