British High Commission in India extends wishes to people on Diwali
The British High Commission in India conveyed heartfelt Diwali wishes to the public in a message shared on X. Posted on Sunday, the message expressed warm regards from the “UKinIndia family” to all those celebrating Diwali, extending wishes for a festival filled with safety, prosperity, and happiness, accompanied by the traditional phrase “Shubh Deepawali.” UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had previously extended his Diwali wishes on Saturday, emphasizing a sense of hope for the future.
The British High Commission actively shared Sunak’s Diwali message on X, where he expressed, “Happy Diwali to all those celebrating around the world and across the UK, and a very happy Bandi Chhor Divas to our friends in the Sikh community.” These messages collectively signify a cross-cultural acknowledgment and celebration of Diwali, underscoring the spirit of unity and goodwill that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. The engagement of British leaders in extending warm wishes reflects a shared celebration of diverse festivals and fosters a sense of global togetherness during this joyous occasion.
In his Diwali message, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed a message of optimism and hope for the future, symbolized by the lighting of Diyas. He expressed that as Prime Minister, his guiding principle is a steadfast determination to bring about positive change, and he views Diwali as a poignant representation of the triumph of light over darkness, symbolizing the collective effort for a brighter tomorrow. Sunak, being the first British Asian Prime Minister and a devout Hindu, emphasized the celebration as an opportunity to embrace and appreciate the fantastic ethnic and cultural diversity that makes the UK the vibrant place it is today.
This message not only reflects Sunak’s personal connection to Diwali but also encompasses a broader acknowledgment of the cultural richness that defines the United Kingdom. By highlighting the significance of Diwali as a universal symbol of hope and positive transformation, Sunak’s message resonates with a diverse audience, transcending cultural boundaries and reinforcing the importance of unity, optimism, and appreciation for diversity in shaping a brighter collective future.
Earlier this week, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, extended a warm welcome to guests from the Hindu community at Downing Street in anticipation of Diwali. The visuals shared by Downing Street on X provided a glimpse into the festivities, showcasing the Prime Minister and his wife actively participating in the celebrations by lighting diyas. The images captured the couple surrounded by a sizable gathering of people, all partaking in the festive atmosphere.
The gesture of welcoming guests from the Hindu community to Downing Street reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the cultural diversity within the United Kingdom. By actively engaging in the Diwali festivities, including the symbolic act of lighting diyas, Sunak and his wife underscore the importance of embracing and respecting various cultural traditions that contribute to the nation’s vibrant tapestry.
These visuals not only showcase a leader’s involvement in multicultural celebrations but also send a broader message of inclusivity, unity, and the value of recognizing and appreciating the cultural richness that exists within the UK. The active participation of the Prime Minister and his wife in Diwali celebrations contributes to fostering a sense of community and shared festivities within the diverse fabric of the country.
The British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, extended heartfelt Diwali wishes on November 10, expressing aspirations for a safe, joyful, and prosperous celebration. In a video shared on X, the British High Commission in India conveyed warm Diwali greetings, highlighting the essence of the festival: “Diwali is about family, friends, and fun – so we brought all of that together in the office. Aap sabhi ko humari taraf se Diwali ki shubhkamnayein (A very Happy Diwali to all of you from our side).” The video emphasized the global significance of Diwali, not confined to India but celebrated worldwide, including at 10 Downing Street and throughout the United Kingdom.
In the spirit of inclusivity and diversity, these gestures showcase leaders acknowledging and actively participating in the festivities. Ellis further extended his wishes, saying, “That’s why I would like to say… ‘Aap aur aapki Diwali surakshit, samridh aur khushaal rahe’ (We wish you and your Diwali stay safe, prosperous, and happy).” These expressions of goodwill underscore the universal nature of Diwali, transcending borders and cultures, and reinforce the importance of shared celebrations and mutual respect among communities.
