DALLAS (TIP): A 100 Indian Texans from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin filled the Governor’s Mansion Saturday, October 25, for Greg and Cecilia Abbott’s annual Diwali Party, which had the highest number of attendees this year. Greg Abbott is the first Governor to recognize the Hindu Festival of Lights and celebrate it with the community-at-large. This year, the Indian CEO Council, co-founded by Dallasites Arun Agarwal and Sanjiv Yajnik, got involved and helped balance geographic representation at the event.

“This Governor truly realizes the many contributions Indian Americans have made to the Texas economy,” said Agarwal, who personally escorted Greg and Cecilia Abbott to India a few years ago to meet business leaders and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “After their time in India, both the Governor and First Lady have an appreciation for Indian culture and our various religious holidays and traditions.” After greeting their guests on Saturday, the Governor and First Lady lit the Diyas (lamps) to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. A few Indians even bestowed the First Family with traditional gifts and sweets, typically exchanged during the festive season. Diwali is celebrated around the world this year on November 4, 2021.

About Indian American CEO Council: Our mission is to facilitate domestic and global alliances, elevate the community and drive economic prosperity for the nation. For more information, please visit www.iaceo.org.