President Biden presents National Humanities Medals to Indian-American actress Mindy Kaling

Washington: US President Joe Biden has presented the prestigious 2021 National Humanities Medals to Indian-American actress and producer Mindy Kaling, with several others, in recognition of her giving voice to a new generation of storytellers, at a White House ceremony. The National Medal of Arts is the highest award, given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the US government. 

It honours exemplary individuals and organisations that have advanced the arts in America and inspired others



through their distinguished achievement, support, or patronage.

Presenting the award to the actress on Tuesday, at the ceremony attended by First Lady Dr Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Second Gentlemen, Biden said that Kaling is the first woman of colour to create, write, and star in a primetime sitcom.

He added that the 43-year-old actress empowers a new generation to tell their stories with irreverence and sincerity.