I was amazed to have woken up today with the news that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of UK had lighted candles at 10 Downing Street today to mark the start of the Diwali celebrations this weekend.
I heard it on the radio, and, at first I thought it was a publicity stunt, by our PM who is so desperate to hold on to power, that it was another "spin" by the labour party in order to secure the thousands of Indian votes at the next election, not to mention the donations from prominent Asian business men that helped the labour party under Tony Blair to victory.
It should be noted that in the last census in 2001, it was confirmed that Indians make up 1.8 per cent of the population in Britain . Their vote therefore holds significance.
However, when I logged on to my laptop and read the news, the reports heard on the radio were indeed confirmed. It was therefore me being cynical as usual. Maybe my legal background means that I am always looking at the negative rather then the positives, but on this occasion I was glad that it was not"publicity Spin".
Not only had Gordon brown lit a candle at Downing Street he had also donned a garland while he did it, amidst prominent members of the Sikh and Hindu community who were present at Downing Street.
Brown stated "it was a great day for Downing Street ". For centuries Diwali has been celebrated". But only on 16 th October 2009, had it been celebrated in Downing Street !
The recognition that the Prime Minister gave to the Hindu festival celebrated by Hindus, Jain's and Sikhs, marks a shift in the multi cultural Britain that it claims to be, as, without the formal recognition of this festival, it meant that for years ,1.8 per cent of the population of UK felt left behind in the significance that the governing authority of Britain gave its members, but finally this has been left to rest and marks a shift in the attitude and importance of cultural awareness of traditions, cultures and religious values of the population here in the UK.
Diwali is a symbol of prosperity and happiness (Sonia Gandhi).
Let us remember that Diwali helps to dissipate darkness of ignorance and spread the light of knowledge all around.
Let us embrace Mahatma Ghandi's philosophy of non violence, togetherness, peace and non discrimination and combating ignorance in a time when the global community faces challenges that are unprecedented partly due to the growth in technology and the increasing commercialization.
I was also delighted to hear that President Obama had celebrated "Diwali at the Whitehouse".
President Obama lit a ceremonial Diwali lamp at the Whitehouse on 15 th October 2009 and "wished everyone a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak", he will be marked in history as being the first US President to join an event celebrating the Indian festival of lights" in the Indian Treaty Room in the Old Executive Building, next to the Whitehouse.
President Obama said
"And while this is a time of rejoicing, it's also a time for reflection, when we remember those who are less fortunate and renew our commitment to reach out to those in need,"
Diwali is a festival of lights; it marks the end of good over evil and is celebrated by the lighting of candles and tea lights and a display of fireworks.
It is also a tradition to give everyone tradition sweets which remarkably President Obama had left for his 150 guests when he lit the candle at the Treaty Room.
I would personally like to thank President Obama and Gordon Brown for giving the Hindu community in Britain and the United States of America hope and aspirations for the future. Or as Obama would say
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