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Journalism of Courage
Udemy co-founder Gagan Biyani recently offered a heartfelt glimpse into what celebrating Diwali in Denver, Colorado, looks like for him and his family, and how it reflects the evolving story of Indian-American identity.
On Monday, the Indian-origin entrepreneur shared a deeply personal reflection on how the festival of lights, once unfamiliar in many parts of the Unites States, has now become a moment of shared joy and cultural curiosity.
“Today’s Diwali and it reminds me of why I’m Indian but also why I’m proud to be American,” he wrote, setting the tone for a post that mixed nostalgia, gratitude, and cultural pride.
Biyani revealed that he was in Denver this year, preparing a Diwali feast with his wife, brother, and mother. During the family celebration, his brother mentioned a touching detail — their four-year-old neighbor had been “begging to join” in the festivities. The anecdote reminded Biyani of last year, when his brother hosted a special post-Diwali celebration just for the curious child.
“They did an abbreviated pooja, made Indian food (which she actually refused to eat) and put battery powered tea lights all throughout her house,” Biyani recalled, adding that since the girl “has very few Indian friends,” the gesture had clearly left an impression.
For Biyani, moments like these mark how far things have come. He remembered growing up in a San Francisco Bay Area suburb where Indians made up just about 20 per cent of the population. “That was still the era when Indian Americans were most associated with Apu, the convenience store owner from The Simpsons,” he said, recalling how no one ever asked him about Diwali back then.
But decades later, he feels the change across America, not just in diverse cities, but even in smaller towns. “Over my 30+ years here I have felt more and more curiosity and acceptance all around the country (not just in liberal enclaves like Denver and Oakland),” he wrote.
Even while acknowledging the headlines about rising divisions and anti-immigrant sentiment in recent years, Biyani struck an optimistic note. Having traveled to more than 60 countries, he believes that the “big picture” still favors the United States. “No place outside of India accepts my people the way America does,” he concluded. “I’m proud to be celebrating my culture in the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
His reflection drew plenty of engagement online. Among the many responses, Professor Anna Brown humorously countered, “Clearly, you haven’t lived in Canada,” to which Biyani replied, “Yes, somehow I always forget to make an exception for Canada which I’ve heard is even more accepting than America!!”
Many from across the globe responded to this, with one user suggesting he visit the UAE during Diwali, while another said, “Bhai. I guess you have never been to England.” Biyani, who has lived there before, responded, “Spent over a year in England. Still think USA is much more accepting.”
