Watch: White House corridors echo with 'Saare Jahan Se Accha' as attendees dig on pani puris

The legendary song of MuhammadIqbal"Saare Jahan Se Achha"was played by a group of musicians in the corridors of the White House as the Indian snack"pani puri"was served by the stewardsin the lawns as the United States celebrated the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month on Monday (May 13).

The event was attended by United States PresidentJoe Bidenand Vice PresidentKamala Harris.

Itwas heldto celebrate 25 years sincethe establishment ofthe White House Initiative and thePresident'sAdvisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

In a first, the leaders from five presidential administrations gathered to honour the significant milestone and recognise the AA and NHPIcommunities'contributions to American society.

AA and NHPI heritage has been part of history of US:Biden

The glimpses of the celebration were shared by Indian-American community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria from inside the White House. The photos and videos showed a beautiful celebration of minority communities in the US.

“This was an amazing celebration of the WhiteHouse’sAANHPI Heritage Month at the Rose Garden. The best part was that as I walked into the White House, Iwas greetedby the musicians playing‘Sare Jahan se Accha Hindustan Hamara’(Our Hindustan is better than the entire world),"said Indian American community leader Ajay JainBhutoria,whilespeaking to PTIin an interview.

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Taking to X, Ajay Jain wrote,“Thrilled to hearSaare Jahan Se acha Hindustan Hamaraplayed at White House AANHPI heritage celebration hosted by President Joe Biden with VP Harris. Paanipuri and Khoya dishwas also served. Stronger US-India relationship."

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden, speaking at the event,said, "From Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders whose ancestors have called their lands home for hundreds of years to Asian immigrants who have newly arrived and those whose families have been here for generations - AA and NHPI heritage has long been a part of the history of our great country and a defining force in the soul of our nation."

(With inputs from agencies)