[ad_1]
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles used the analogy of the victory of light over darkness as a reflection of overcoming the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic as part of their annual messages to mark the festival. Diwali on Saturday.
Johnson issued his statement at 10 Downing Street to mark the “spectacular and joyous festival of Diwali,” which bursts into the autumn darkness with an underlying theme of hope and triumph over Covid-19.
Read also: Prime Minister Modi greets the nation on Diwali, hopes for ‘brightness and happiness’
“This year, perhaps more than any other, Diwali has a powerful meaning for all of us; because just as surely as Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana and brought his wife Sita home, and just as Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, so too – I have full confidence – that I will win over Covid-19, ”Johnson said.
He reiterated the ‘mantra’ for a year in which Diwali is marked indoors across the UK for people to wash their hands, cover their faces, and stay away from anyone outside the house. .
“Let us all console ourselves with the meaning at the heart of this fantastic festival. And may the many millions of Diwali lights around the world shine in the dark as beacons of hope for a better future, ”he said, adding his wishes for the British Sikhs of Bandi Chhor Divas.
Meanwhile, Prince Charles posted a video with a Diwali message through his charity British Asian Trust run by the South Asian diaspora and noted how this year’s festival coincides with his own 72nd birthday. “The Festival of Lights is, I know, a special time for families and friends to get together to share gifts and sweets and enjoy each other’s company. Very sadly this year, the current public health crisis means that this will simply not be possible for many of you and I can well imagine how difficult and disappointing this must be, ”said the heir to the British throne.
Read also: ‘Very poor’ label for Delhi air as IMD predicts foggy Diwali
“In the midst of these strange and difficult circumstances, however, I hope you can still draw strength from the Diwali message: that ultimately good will triumph over evil, hope over despair and light over darkness,” he said.
The royals also praised the British Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities for coming together to do “really vital work” during the pandemic as a symbol of Diwali’s underlying message of “eternal values of duty and service,” which resonates with people of all. religions and none.
“Together they are an indispensable part of what makes this country so special. Happy Diwali and a happy, peaceful and prosperous year ahead, ”he said, concluding his message by lighting a candle and the words“ Shubh Diwali ”. The leader of the Opposition Labor Party, Sir Keir Starmer, also struck a similar note with his Diwali and Bandi Chhor message for British Hindus and Sikhs. “As the Hindu community celebrates this time of victory over good over evil, lightness over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, we remember the hope that Diwali brings,” he said in a statement.
“This is particularly significant this year as the world battles the health, economic and social crisis caused by Covid-19 … as you light your lamps and pray for happiness and prosperity for all, remember that light will always dispel the darkness of despair. and that these difficult times will also pass and will be replaced by moments of great joy and celebration ”.
