WASHINGTON DC: Canadian poet of Indian origin Rupi Kaur is at the receiving end of social media criticism after she declined an invitation to a Diwali event by the Joe Biden administration.

Taking to her social media, the 31-year-old poet who rose to fame through Instagram, shared that while she was invited to the event by the Biden administration, she decided not to attend it because of the US support for Israel in the Hamas-Israel war that started following Hamas’ offensive on October 7.

Why did Rupi Kaur decline the invitation?

Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, the poet of ‘Milk and Honey’ wrote, “I received an invite from the Biden administration for a Diwali event being held by the VP on November 8. I decline any invitation from an institution that supports the collective punishment of a trapped civilian population—50% of whom are children.”

She attached a long statement where she noted her reason for declining the invitation for the Diwali event, a Hindu festival.

She wrote, “I implore my South Asian community to hold this administration accountable. As a Sikh woman, I will not allow my likeness to be used in whitewashing this administration’s actions.”

In the statement, she reiterated, “I refuse any invitation from an institution that supports the collective punishment of a trapped civilian population — 50% of whom are children."

She continued, “When a government's actions dehumanize people anywhere in the world, it is our moral imperative to call for justice. Stand with the world and demand a humanitarian ceasefire.”

She went on to describe the significance of the celebration of Diwali, saying, “I'm surprised this administration finds it acceptable to celebrate Diwali, when their support of the current atrocities against Palestinians represent the exact opposite of what this holiday means to many of us.”

She explained further, “Diwali is the celebration of righteousness over falsehood and knowledge over ignorance.”

'Trying to get relevant?'

Rupi Kaur was criticized online for her stance. One of the social media users said, "Never heard of her."

Someone else said, "Trying to get relevant?"

"Never heard of her anyway. Let's face it, she's no Oscar Wilde," said someone else.

"Maybe she should learn words have actual meanings," said someone else.

Someone else said, "Very misplaced criticism. The Biden doesn't support what she says it does."

On the other hand, she was praised by a section of fans for her bold stance.

One of her fans said, "Thank you for speaking out. need more people like you in the world."

Someone else said, "But why decline when you could've gone and lambasted them in front of all invitees."

"Thank you for standing on the side of humanity," said another.