British Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivered his Diwali message ahead of a virtual Diwali festival, the first of its kind (archive)
London:
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the Diwali spirit of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil as he delivered a message of optimism about overcoming the coronavirus pandemic for a virtual Diwali festival. , the first of its kind, this weekend.
Prime Minister Johnson called for a great collective effort as England entered its 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, “said Boris Johnson 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 lockdown restrictions, Johnson commended the Indian community 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, as well as, of course, the occasional samosa or gulab jamun,” he 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 Hindus, Sikhs and Jains have been. 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 lining up for Diwali in this way is unprecedented and reflects not only the actual depth of ties between the UK. and India, but also the critical role of the 1.5 million members of the Indian community, said Manoj Ladwa, chief executive 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 and around the world on November 14.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
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