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Washington: The White House Marine Band played the song ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostan Hamara’ in front of several Asian Americans on Monday. Asian Americans gathered with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for a reception at the White House to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The tune of the patriotic song written by Mohammad Iqbal during India’s freedom struggle was played twice by the Marine Band at the request of Indian Americans.
Indian Americans were invited for this annual event on behalf of the President. Indian American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria told PTI in an interview after the ceremony, “The ceremony held in the Rose Garden at the White House to commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month was absolutely wonderful. The best part was that as soon as I entered the White House, the musicians welcomed me by playing the song ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindostan Hamara’. This is the second time in less than a year that India’s presence is being seen at the White House. Popular patriotic songs were played.
National song was echoed even during PM Modi’s visit
The last time this was done was in June last year during the historic state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Marine Band said it had practiced before the state visit. Bhutoria, who lives in California, said, “I liked it very much. It was a proud moment for me in the White House. I started singing along with him and then I requested him to play it once again. They agreed to my request and told that they were playing it for the second time. When Prime Minister Modi came, he played it and after that today again he is playing it. It is a very picturesque scene that today the song ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostan Hamara’ was heard in the White House. During this ceremony, American Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy mesmerized the hundreds of people present there by playing drums.
After Samosa, America’s heart fell on Indian Golgappa, it became the pride of White House menu
India’s famous Golgappa has now become the pride of the White House in America. Also known as Pani Puri or Puchka, it is a frequent sight at White House receptions where guests are being served this deliciously popular Indian street food. The guests of the White House are liking this very much. After Samosa, Golgappa is the second dish which is now seen in White House dinner parties.
India’s popular ‘street food’ Golgappa, also known as Panipuri or Puchka, is continuously finding its place in the menu of functions organized at It House. It was included on the menu on several occasions last year. Recently, golgappas were also served to guests at a ceremony hosted by President Joe Biden in the Rose Garden to celebrate “Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander” (AANHPI) Heritage Month on Monday. The event was attended by many Asian Americans and Indian Americans, including Dr. Vivek Murthy, the US Surgeon General who has played an important role in the fight against Covid-19.
Samosa is also the favorite dish of the White House
Till now, only Samosa was seen in the menu of functions for the White House, but now Golgappa is also being included in the menu on many occasions. After attending the function organized in the Rose Garden of the White House, community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria told PTI, “Last year when I came here, Golgappa/Panipuri was also on the menu. This year also I was curious to taste it and suddenly a waiter came with Panipuri/Golgappa. That was wonderful. It tasted a little spicy, absolutely perfect!” Bhutoria met White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and asked her about Golgappa.
He said, “I asked him, have you made golgappas? He said, yes, we have prepared everything in the White House. Bhutoria said that another Indian dish ‘Khoya’ was also included in the menu of the function. Responding to a question, he said, “It tasted sweet and was made from khoya. He was absolutely amazing. It was great to see all the Asian American communities, food and cuisine especially Indian American Golgappa and Khoya at the AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration.
