Rupi Kaur, the renowned Punjabi-Canadian poet, illustrator, and author, known for her candid and accessible style of poetry, has taken a stand against the Biden administration’s invitation to a Diwali event. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Kaur expressed her surprise and disappointment with the administration’s stance on the ongoing atrocities against Palestinians. She believes that celebrating Diwali contradicts the principles of righteousness, knowledge, and fighting for freedom, which the festival represents for many of South Asian heritage.

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Kaur is well-known for her critically acclaimed debut poetry collection “milk and honey,” self-published in 2014. Subsequently, “the sun and her flowers” (2017) and “home body” (2020) went straight to the top spot on bestseller lists globally. Kaur’s most recent publication, “Healing Through Words” (2022), serves as a valuable guide for the practice of writing as a means of self-discovery and healing.

The poet said that Diwali, celebrated by people of South Asian descent worldwide, holds different meanings in various traditions. In Hindu and Jain traditions, Diwali symbolises the triumph of righteousness over falsehood and knowledge over ignorance. In Sikh tradition, the day of Diwali is known as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of political prisoners by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. Kaur, as a Sikh woman, has always used this occasion to reflect on the struggle for freedom against oppression.

Rupi Kaur: rejecting the Biden administration’s Diwali invitation

However, Kaur believes that the current US government’s support for the bombardment of Gaza and its justification of the ongoing genocide against Palestinians contradict the values of Diwali and the principles of justice. She pointed out that the American government continues to fund the bombardment of Gaza, rejecting calls for a humanitarian ceasefire from the United Nations, as well as organisations like Doctors Without Borders and the Red Cross. The toll on Palestinian lives is staggering, with over 10,000 Palestinians killed, 70% of whom are women and children. Reports of Israel’s use of white phosphorus bombs have raised concerns of potential war crimes.

Call to action: holding the Biden administration accountable

Kaur also passionately implored the South Asian community to hold the administration accountable. She refused to allow her image to be used in whitewashing the administration’s actions and asserts that she will not accept an invitation from an institution that supports the collective punishment of a civilian population, especially when half of that population consists of children.

As Kaur stated, “We cannot remain silent or agreeable just to get a seat at the table. It comes at too high a cost to human life.” In addition, she addressed the reluctance of some to speak up, fearing that it might jeopardise their livelihood or chance at creating change from the inside. Kaur firmly believes that there is no magical change that will occur from being on the inside. She calls on her community to be brave and not to be “tokenized by their photo-ops,” emphasising that the privilege they might lose from speaking up is insignificant compared to what Palestinians lose each day due to the administration’s rejection of a ceasefire.

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The poet advocated for justice, stating that when a government’s actions dehumanise people anywhere in the world, it is a moral imperative to call for justice. She encouraged people not to be afraid, stand with the world, and demanded a humanitarian ceasefire. Kaur suggested various ways to take action, from signing petitions and attending protests to boycotting and contacting representatives to demand an end to the genocide.

Hence this rejection by Rupi Kaur of the Biden administration’s invitation serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for justice knows no borders or boundaries, and it is a responsibility we all share as global citizens.