New Delhi: As part of the Diwali celebrations symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, leaders and diplomats from across the globe extended greetings to India and the Hindu community worldwide. Prominent figures from countries including the United States, Iran, Pakistan, the UAE, and Sri Lanka conveyed wishes emphasizing the importance of peace, brotherhood, religious tolerance, unity, and prosperity.
Against the backdrop of conflicts and political uncertainties in various regions, many leaders highlighted the urgent need to strengthen mutual trust and coexistence among humanity. They described Diwali not merely as a religious festival but as a symbol of hope and goodness that unites humankind.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, warmly wished all celebrating Diwali. He expressed hopes that the festival of lights brings joy, peace, and hope to people worldwide. He also wished that Diwali fills everyone’s lives with goodness and prosperity, enriching each day with experiences of safety, happiness, and prosperity. The UAE, known for its coexistence of various religions and cultures, places great importance on Indian festivals including Diwali. Such greetings highlight the depth of cultural ties between India and the UAE.
US President Donald Trump participated in Diwali celebrations organized at the White House. The event notably included members of the Indian-American community and distinguished Indian-origin personalities from diverse fields. Among the attendees were Indian Ambassador to the USA Vinay Mohan Kwatra, FBI Director Kash Patel, renowned Indian chef Vikas Khanna, entrepreneur Vishal Gondal, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, and US National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya.
Given the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in the economic, technological, scientific, and cultural sectors of American society, the White House Diwali celebrations hold special importance. These festivities also reflect the strong people-to-people and cultural friendship ties between India and the US.
Meanwhile, American political leader and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard extended Diwali greetings stating that divine love and faith have the power to dispel darkness from life and fill it with light, peace, and joy. She called upon everyone to strive to keep the light of love and goodness shining every day of their lives, not just on Diwali.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described Diwali as one of the most significant religious festivals among the Hindu community. He said the festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and Dharma over injustice. Commemorating Sri Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, Diwali carries the message to dispel darkness from human hearts and spread the light of goodness. He urged people to see Diwali as an opportunity to choose kindness over hatred, unity over division, and justice over injustice. He called it a time to renew the vow to build a more just, compassionate, and peaceful society.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Diwali wishes to the Hindu community within Pakistan and globally. His message emphasized the need to strengthen religious harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect. He described Pakistan’s Hindu community as a valuable and integral part of the country. Sharif noted that the cultural traditions of all religious communities are the social wealth of the nation, which everyone is responsible to protect and respect. In a message shared on the social media platform X, he said Diwali symbolizes the victory of hope and light over the darkness of hatred, intolerance, and despair. The festival should inspire peaceful coexistence and strengthen trust and mutual respect among various communities. He highlighted that faith in a prosperous and hopeful future is among Diwali’s most important messages. Sharif stated that Pakistan’s religious and cultural diversity is a source of national pride and that progress depends on a society that embraces the heritage of all groups.
The Iranian Ambassador to India, Dr. Mohammad Fathali, also extended Diwali greetings, noting that the concept of light dispelling darkness is deeply rooted in the ancient civilizations and cultural heritage of both India and Iran. He observed that relations between the two countries are not confined to diplomacy but have grown on the foundation of centuries-old cultural and historical intimacy. Recalling the longstanding friendship and cultural exchanges, he conveyed heartfelt greetings to India’s government and people on the joyous occasion of Diwali. His message also referenced Iran’s resilience amid military confrontations with the United States, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope and confidence despite challenges.
Various foreign embassies in India actively participated in Diwali celebrations, demonstrating respect and friendship towards Indian culture and traditions. The South Korean Embassy organized a special Diya (lamp) decoration workshop related to Diwali, providing an opportunity to learn about Indian festival customs and their cultural significance. The European Union Ambassador to India, Jean-Eric Paquet, shared his experiences of celebrating Diwali for the first time in India, describing it as a beautiful and memorable occasion.
The German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Jasper Wieck, also extended Diwali greetings. At the celebrations held at the German Embassy, he praised the Indian community for sharing their rich traditions and festivals with their foreign friends. He expressed joy and gratitude for how Indian friends use their celebrations to unite everyone. He added that Diwali also brought the embassy team together and provided an opportunity to become more acquainted with Indian culture.
The Diwali messages from leaders and diplomats worldwide collectively underscored the importance of peace, unity, and humanity. They serve as evidence of how Diwali has become a festival that transcends political, religious, and cultural differences to unite people. These celebrations also highlight the growing global acceptance of Indian culture and traditions and the expanding presence of Indian communities worldwide. The universal message of Diwali—light dispelling darkness, love defeating hatred, unity overcoming division, and hope prevailing over despair—was clearly reflected in the greetings from world leaders.
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Original Malayalam report: Malayalam Daily News
