The US Secretary of State remembered Lord Hanuman in the White House, speaks about religious freedom
Addressing a gathering of prominent Indian diaspora on the occasion of Diwali on Wednesday, Blinken said religious freedom is an invaluable part of US diplomacy. During this, Blinken recalled the fact of returning the 500-year-old idol of Lord Hanuman to India.
Abhilasha 
Addressing a gathering of prominent Indian diaspora on the occasion of Diwali on Wednesday, Blinken said religious freedom is an invaluable part of US diplomacy. During this, Blinken recalled the fact of returning the 500-year-old idol of Hanuman ji to India.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that religious freedom is a fundamental American value, a priority for US President Joe Biden to support it. Addressing a gathering of prominent Indian diaspora on the occasion of Diwali on Wednesday, Blinken said religious freedom is an invaluable part of US diplomacy. "It really helps us build relationships with other countries and people around the world," the US Secretary of State said. One way we support religious diversity is by helping to preserve important pieces of cultural heritage around the world, he said.
Lord Hanuman's idol returned to India
Blinken said "Through efforts such as the US Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation, we are helping restore damaged historic buildings," Blinken said. He said that in February, we recovered a 500-year-old stolen idol of Lord Hanuman and returned it to India. Another way is that we support celebrations like Deepawali, which are organized with a view to religious freedom.
Religious Diversity in America
The US Secretary of State also emphasized that the US shows support for religious diversity through helping to preserve important things of cultural heritage around the world. His remarks came as the White House hosted an in-person Diwali reception after a hiatus of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diwali program at White House after two years
Let us tell you that after two years, a big Diwali program was organized by the White House on Monday. Diplomatic and religious communities, the private sector and the general public were invited to the event. Addressing the Diwali reception, Blinken said that it is an honor not only for you but also for the State Department to host you.
