The Marine Band of the White House performed the popular Indian patriotic song ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha Hindustan Hamara’ during a reception held in honor of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
The event also showcased Indian street food such as golgappa (pani puri) and khoya (sweetmeat).
This marks the second occasion within a year that ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ has been played at the White House. The previous instance was during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 23, 2023. Indian-American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria views this as a testament to the strong relationship between the United States and India.
During the reception, which was attended by President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, the White House Marine Band played the song ‘Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindustan Hamara’ twice upon the request of Indian Americans invited by the president for this annual event, as reported by news agency PTI.
Bhutoria expressed his delight at the celebration of the White House’s AANHPI Heritage Month in the Rose Garden, stating, “The highlight for me was when I entered the White House and was greeted by the musicians playing ‘Sare Jahan se Accha Hindustan Hamara’.”
In addition to the musical performance, the reception featured a selection of Indian street food, including golgappa (pani puri) and the sweet dish khoya. This recent addition to the White House menu complements the traditional samosas that are also served.
At last year’s AANHPI reception in the Rose Garden of the White House, golgappas/pani puri were present. This year, I eagerly searched for them and to my delight, one of the servers suddenly brought in the pani puri/golgappa. It was a truly amazing experience. The taste was unique, with a hint of spiciness. It was absolutely perfect!
During the event, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford, where I specifically inquired about the golgappa.
I asked her if the golgappas were made in the White House, to which she confirmed that everything was indeed prepared there,” Bhutoria shared with PTI.
According to Bhutoria, the increasing popularity of golgappa in the US can be attributed to American officials trying out various street foods during their travels in India.
“Many officials from the State Department and the White House have visited India on numerous occasions. I am certain that their counterparts in India must have suggested trying golgappa among all the street foods,” Bhutoria explained.
The AANHPI reception was attended by numerous Asian Americans, including several Indian Americans. Notable figures such as US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who has played a crucial role in the battle against Covid-19, were also present.
Dr. Vivek Murthy captivated the audience with an impressive drumming performance at the White House event. His skills on the drums delighted the hundreds of viewers in attendance.
May is recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. AANHPI represents various cultures from Asia and the Pacific Islands, including Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. This encompasses approximately 50 ethnic groups and 100 languages.
The month of May was selected because it commemorates the first arrival of a Japanese immigrant in the US in May 1843. Additionally, it pays tribute to the Chinese immigrants who greatly contributed to the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869.
