British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave his message to Diwali ahead of first of its kind virtual Diwali festival (File)
London:
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the spirit of Diwali of victory of light over darkness and good over evil as he delivered optimistic message about tackling the coronavirus pandemic for a festival virtual Diwali, the first of its kind, this weekend.
Prime Minister Johnson called for a huge collective effort as England entered its second home lockdown earlier this week, to last at least until December 2, to curb the surge in coronavirus infections across the country.
“While there are undoubtedly huge challenges ahead, I have every confidence in the resilience, determination and common sense of people across the country and that together we will defeat this virus, just like Diwali. teaches us that light triumphs over darkness, good over evil knowledge rather than ignorance, ”Boris Johnson said of 10 Downing Street in London on Friday.
“Just as Lord Rama and his wife Sita found their way home after the demon king Ravana was defeated, their way lit by millions of lamps, so we will find our way through this, and we will do it triumphantly,” he said.
Recognizing that people would find it particularly difficult this year with all the lockdown restrictions, Johnson praised the UK Indian community for all their sacrifices and efforts to work towards a safe and secure Diwali.
He praised the “fantastic virtual Diwali festival” for bringing the spirit of Diwali into homes while helping people stay safe.
“I know 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 weird samosa or gulab jamun,” he said. he said in his inaugural speech of the ‘iGlobal Diwali Fest 2020’.
“So I want you to know that your sacrifices and your determination to do the right thing is really helping to save lives, and while I know many aspects of this year have been, I was blown away by the way inspiring whose 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 UK 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 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 Britain’s main political parties and the mayors of the country’s main metros queuing for Diwali in this manner is unprecedented and not only reflects the real depth of UK-India ties, but also the central role of the UK An Indian community of 1.5 million people, said Manoj Ladwa, CEO of India Inc Group, the UK-based event organizer.
Other virtual events planned 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 with 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 title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is posted from a syndicated feed.)
