Image: Indian-American Community News
Washington - Lara said Donald Trump has great love and affection for India and its people.
Published: Wed 26 Oct 2016, 11:50 AM
Last updated: Wed 26 Oct 2016, 2:05 PM
Donald Trump's daughter-in-law celebrated Diwali at a Hindu temple in the key swing state of Virginia as part of the Republican presidential nominee's efforts to reach out to the Indian-American community.
Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump, the second son of Trump, 70, said the relationship between India and the US is destined for a new height if her father-in-law is elected the next president of the US after the November 8 general elections.
Lara said Donald Trump has great love and affection for India and its people.
"This is beautiful...It's such an honour to be able to come here," she told the Indian-American Community News.
Indian-Americans "are valued members of the entire country. Your religion is beautiful and we are very supportive as a country...This country was founded on the freedom of religion and it is so amazing that we have such incredible religions within the US," Lara added.
Rajdhani Mandir is situated in western Fairfax county which adjoins Loudoun county. Both counties boast a large and growing population of Indian-Americans, many of whom are working in the Information Technology (IT) sector.
As a mark of respect to the Indian culture, she removed her shoes before entering the Rajdhani temple in Virginia.
Image: Indian-American Community News
"I understand what an asset you are to the entire country," Lara told the gathering.
Welcoming the Trump family member to the premises of the temple, Indian-American community activist Rajesh Gooty said her presence has brought in Diwali early in the Fairfax and Loudoun county of the state.
"It has energised the local Indian-American Community immensely. We will continue to assist and participate with renewed energy in participating with Interfaith, Diversity events," said Gooty, who was instrumental in inviting Lara to the Hindu Temple to celebrate Diwali.
Initially, Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump was scheduled to come to the temple but the Trump campaign asked her to go to a different place given the fast-changing dynamics of the polls.
Inaugurated in 2000, the temple is the oldest one in Loudon county which has experienced the fastest growth of Indian-American community in the last one decade.
This is for the first time that a family member of one of the two top presidential candidates are visiting a Hindu temple.
Polls have showed that the majority (about 70 per cent) of Indian-Americans do not support Trump but seem to favour his tough-on-terror stand.
Last week, the Republican presidential nominee addressed over 5,000 members of the community at an anti-terror rally in Edison, New Jersey, which was organised by the Republican Hindu Coalition (RHC).
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