Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón hosted the first-ever Diwali celebration at Santa Catalina Palace, the Governor’s Mansion in San Juan, on November 10, honoring the South Asian community and celebrating the Festival of Lights.
“I want to take a few moments to recognize the community and recognize what we are celebrating today,” she told guests attending the celebration.
Presenting a proclamation to PRDesi Cultural and Educational Organization founder Parveen Kaur Dhillon and its board members, González-Colón recognized the organization’s cultural and community work.
“PRDesi has distinguished itself in Puerto Rico through its dedication to sharing the cultural heritage of South Asia, fostering appreciation for its traditions, artistry, and enduring values,” the Governor said.
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The proclamation recognized PRDesi’s commitment to education, cultural exchange, and seva, the tradition of selfless service. It noted that the organization honors its ancestral roots while embracing Puerto Rico as home.
“May its endeavors continue to inspire discovery, deepen mutual understanding, and foster appreciation for the richness of South Asian culture,” she added.
Pointing to Christmas decorations being installed, she drew a connection between the holiday’s lights and those associated with Diwali. “We celebrate friendship,” she added.
Calling the residence a “marvelous building,” González-Colón described its construction and expansion over several centuries.
González-Colón discussed the history of the Governor’s Mansion. She noted its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 as part of La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico, and its status as the oldest governor’s mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere.
“So, for us, it’s a privilege to live here,” she said. “It’s the oldest Governor’s mansion in the Western Hemisphere in continuous use. I’m going to have a very nice dinner. It’s going to be my first complete Indian dinner.”
González-Colón recalled that Dhillon had spoken with her months earlier about the Festival of Lights and its meaning for South Asians. She expressed appreciation for the celebration’s significance and the opportunities to engage with the community.
“I hope that this dinner that we’re having tonight is part of that celebration and friendship that we can have together,” she added.
The Governor thanked Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana for her service and Jorge Perez of Discover Puerto Rico for helping promote the island internationally. She also acknowledged her husband, Dr. José Yovín Vargas Llavona, and thanked him for his support.
“He’s the handsome guy in Puerto Rico,” she said.
Discussing the importance of family, González-Colón mentioned her twins, almost three years old, who could be heard upstairs. She described the gathering as an opportunity to spend time with friends and welcome guests visiting from distant places.
Dhillon recalled discussing Diwali with the Governor over dinner more than a year earlier. After hearing about the festival, she said, González-Colón offered to host a celebration at her residence.
“Why don’t I host something like this at my house?” Dhillon recalled the Governor asking. She added that González-Colón knew governors elsewhere in the United States and the White House had hosted Diwali celebrations.
“It’s a historical moment,” Dhillon said, adding that the mansion had never before welcomed so many people of South Asian heritage at one time.
Dhillon described the occasion as a milestone for Puerto Rico, saying the Indian community had grown considerably over the past five years. She also acknowledged partnerships with Discover Puerto Rico and Parque de las Ciencias, thanking them for hosting events and welcoming South Asian culture.
“And it’s really because of the partnership, and it’s really because of how welcoming Puerto Rico has been to our culture,” she said, explaining why South Asians increasingly consider the island home.
Dhillon outlined PRDesi’s work in community service, cultural programming, events, and children’s education. She explained that seva involves helping others through service, an approach that guides the organization’s activities.
“We’re here to contribute what we have been able to contribute to our other cities that we’ve come from, and it’s very important for us to keep continuing to do this in Puerto Rico.”
She also discussed common ground between Puerto Ricans and South Asians, including their emphasis on family, children, helping others, cultural traditions, and pride in food and language. Dhillon thanked the Governor’s staff for working with PRDesi to coordinate the evening.
Discover Puerto Rico CEO Jorge Perez thanked González-Colón for welcoming the gathering and expressed appreciation for the South Asian community’s contributions to the island.
“Thank you for being part of our community. Thank you for making our community better. We are similar in so many ways. We need all that kindness, and you bring that to our community, and we’re a better place for it,” he told guests.
Former Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon also attended and spoke about her professional relationship with González-Colón and their years of involvement in Republican politics.
Harmeet Dhillon said she met González-Colón while both were members of the Republican National Committee, where she served for eight years. She described their shared support for President Donald Trump and their work in different capacities.
“It’s such a pleasure to see a woman leader like you who’s so funny, kind, generous,” she said, describing González-Colón as a “dear friend.”
Harmeet Dhillon recalled that her previous visit to Puerto Rico involved arguing a federal court case on behalf of the United States. She said she had recently completed her tenure as Assistant Attorney General.
“Thank you again so much for your kindness and generosity and opening your home to us and your heart to us,” she added.
González-Colón praised Harmeet Dhillon’s commitment to Puerto Rico and her willingness to “defend values.”
“That’s what we fight for. This is a woman of honor, and I feel very proud to call her my friend. I saw her fighting, and I love that,” the Governor said.
González-Colón added that, earlier in their friendship, she had not anticipated Harmeet Dhillon would serve at the Department of Justice or that she herself would become Governor.
“We’re going to be friends, and we are celebrating Diwali together tonight,” she added.
