Why Canadian poet Rupi Kaur declined White House Diwali invitation extended by Kamala Harris? Check out
PTC Web Desk: Canadian poet Rupi Kaur has turned down an invitation to attend the Diwali party hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. She expressed surprise at the administration's decision to celebrate the festival amidst the ongoing Israeli-Gaza conflict.
Rupi Kaur said,"I decline any invitation from an institution that supports the collective punishment of a trapped civilian population—50% of whom are children."
In a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Canadian poet emphasised the American government's financial support for the Gaza bombardment and its justification of the genocide against Palestinians. She urged the South-Asian community to hold the US government accountable and resist being tokenised through photo-ops.
I received an invite from the Biden administration for a Diwali event being held by the VP on nov 8. I decline any invitation from an institution that supports the collective punishment of a trapped civilian population—50% of whom are children. pic.twitter.com/J3V5om89Se — rupi kaur (@rupikaur_) November 6, 2023
Vice President Kamala Harris marked Diwali at her official residence in Washington, attended by approximately 300 persons, many of Indian origin. However, several groups had called for a boycott of the celebrations in protest against the ongoing Isarel-Gaza conflict.
- With inputs from agencies
