Maryland Governor Wes Moore described Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller as a “Human Diwali,” saying she makes the “world brighter wherever she goes.”

“We have the best Lieutenant Governor in the United States of America,” Moore said, referring to Miller, who made history as the nation’s first Indian American and South Asian woman elected as a state Lieutenant Governor. He made the remarks during a Diwali celebration at Government House, the official residence of the Governor in Annapolis, alongside community leaders and state officials.

Calling her a “sole universal Festival of Lights,” Governor Moore added that “everywhere she walks, she makes it brighter.” He continued, “The beautiful thing, I’ll say this, the thing I also love is watching the faces of young boys and young girls all over the state when they meet her, because when they meet her, they realize that anything is possible.”

Moore said that for many children, meeting Miller shows that “no matter their circumstances or their situations, no matter their backgrounds, no matter what neighborhood they grow up in, they can do anything, and they can believe in anything.”

Reflecting on the deeper meaning of Diwali, Moore said, “That’s part of the power of Diwali. It’s this idea that we know of it. The only way you combat darkness is not more darkness. That the only way that we are going to combat evil is not more evil. The only way we combat darkness is light…”

Acknowledging the uncertainty of current times, the Governor noted, “I know that they are real and justified. I can tell you just from the day that we had earlier today, where, when you’re spending time with federal workers who are now looking for work, despite the fact that two weeks ago, they were doing things like making sure that our planes don’t collide with one another, making sure that our food is safe, and now find themselves left behind by a federal government.”

He urged Marylanders to continue seeking hope and purpose noting, “When we’re in darkness, look for light, because light will lead us out and light will lead us through. It’s the light that we see,” he said, while acknowledging the contributions of Secretaries Sanjay Rai, Meena Seshamani, Susan Lee, Paul Monteiro, and others.

Moore emphasized Maryland’s diversity as a “beautiful mosaic” that makes the state “so special,” recognizing the contributions of South Asian communities and the Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs.

He also presented a proclamation declaring October 2025 as Diwali, celebrating the festival’s message of light over darkness and honoring the contributions of Indian Americans to the state.

Lt. Gov. Miller: “We Belong Here. This Is Our Country.”

Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller reflected on her family’s immigrant journey and the pride they took in their Indian heritage. She recalled how her mother once visited her brother’s middle school class in New York to demonstrate how to drape a sari.

“Not a big deal, but it turned out to be a really big deal, believe it or not, my mother draping that sari on that student in the classroom made it in the local papers,” Miller said. The class was captivated by this “exotic woman” sharing a part of her culture.

“This is what this country is all about,” Miller said. “My mom stood there, as she does today right now, so proud of her culture and our heritage.” Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, she added, “I don’t want my house to be walled in on all sides, nor do I want my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to blown about my house freely, but I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

Encouraging pride and belonging, Miller said, “Each and every one of us should be so proud of our heritage and our culture and how lucky we are that we get to live in a country that allows this. Let me remind you never, ever let anybody tell you that you do not belong here. We belong here. This is our country.”

She described her mother, Hema Katragadda, as “the first light” in her life, her husband David Miller as “another light,” and called Governor Moore “our light” — the first Black Governor in Maryland’s history.

Chair of the Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs (GCSAAA), Preet Takhar, thanked Governor Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore for hosting the event.

“Diwali is not just a celebration of faith and culture, it’s a reflection of shared values — compassion, renewal, and service to others,” he said. 

Highlighting the administration’s commitment, he added, “This year under the Moore-Miller administration, we have seen that spirit of Diwali shine through in actions, supporting Maryland’s federal workers by expanding opportunities through access to state jobs, making public transportation free and accessible, providing bridging financing during times of need. We also see a deep commitment to protecting immigration and underserved communities…”

Takhar also thanked cabinet members and elected officials for their unwavering support of the South Asian community. “Thank you for being my sounding board and always putting me on the right path,” he said of Secretary Sanjay Rai, noting his guidance helps the Commission move forward effectively. He also acknowledged Sikhs of America Founder Jesse Singh, the first South Asian Chair of Maryland, and other community leaders.

He praised Dr. Sudhir Sekhsaria as a “compassionate and passionate leader” and commended the South Asian Community Affairs Subcommittee led by GCSAAA Commissioner Arti Bhat for its coordination, along with the Governor’s staff.

GCSAAA Vice Chair Ahmed Nawaz welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of Diwali, recognizing Governor Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller for their commitment to diversity and opportunity.

GCSAAA Commissioner Archana Thakker led the prayers, explaining the spiritual meaning of Diwali in Hinduism as a time of renewal, gratitude, and community. She described the tradition of lighting lamps to mark the return of Lord Rama and Sita to Ayodhya — a reminder of light guiding the way home.

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