London: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the Diwali spirit of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil by delivering a message of optimism about overcoming the coronavirus pandemic for a Diwali festival virtual, the first of its kind, this weekend.
Johnson called for a ‘great collective effort’ as England entered their second lockdown at home earlier this week, which will last until at least December 2, to stem a rise in coronavirus infections across the country.
“While there are undoubtedly enormous challenges ahead, I have full confidence in the resilience, determination and good sense of people across the country and that together we will overcome this virus, just as Diwali teaches us that light triumphs over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, “Johnson said from 10 Downing Street in London on Friday.
“Just as Lord Rama and his wife Sita found their way home after the defeat of the demon king Ravana, their path lit by many millions of lamps, so too will we find our way through this, and we will do it triumphantly,” he said. . said.
Recognizing that people would find it particularly difficult this year with all the closure restrictions, Johnson praised the Indian diaspora in the UK for all their sacrifices and efforts to work for a safe and secure Diwali.
He praised the “fantastic virtual Diwali festival” for bringing the spirit of Diwali into homes and helping people stay safe.
“I know that celebrating from a distance is not easy when you want to get together with your whole family or visit your friends or share the fun of Diwali with them, and also, of course, the occasional samosa or gulab jamun,” Johnson said. , in his opening speech of the ‘iGlobal Diwali Fest 2020’.
“So I want you to know that your sacrifices and your determination to do the right thing are really helping to save lives, and while I know many aspects of this year have been, I have been impressed by the inspiring way in which Hindus, Sikhs and Jains have responded to this crisis with compassion, community spirit and a positive attitude, “he said.
The three-day virtual Diwali Fest kicked off on Friday with the British Prime Minister’s message and will include sessions with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, Opposition Labor Party leader Keir Starmer and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey.
The agenda also includes yoga, music and dance performances, as well as an awards ceremony to honor the champions of the British Indian community in different fields. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street will be among those broadcasting Diwali messages from different parts of England.
“The prime minister, the leaders of the UK’s main political parties and the mayors of the country’s major metropolitan areas queuing for Diwali in this way are unprecedented and reflect not only the actual depth of ties between the UK. and India, but also the critical role of the 1.5 million people in the Indian diaspora, “said Manoj Ladwa, CEO of India Inc Group, the UK-based organizer of the event.
Some of the other virtual events scheduled over the weekend include a spiritual session with Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, bhajans from different parts of India, and a Bollywood concert led by British Indian musician Navin. Kundra.
Diwali, the festival of lights, will be celebrated in India on November 14.
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