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In Diwali message, UK PM Boris Johnson expresses gratitude for British Indians

WION Web Team
New DelhiUpdated: Nov 14, 2020, 06:30 PM IST
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UK PM Boris Johnson Photograph:(Twitter)

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Johnson said that just as the festival symbolised victory of light over darkness, it will also serve as beacon that will light the path of mankind's victory over coronavirus pandemic

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had tremendous 'respect' for the way British Indinas went out of their way to help others tackle the coronavirus pandemic. In his Diwali message, Johnson said that just as the festival symbolised victory of light over darkness, it will also serve as beacon that will light the path of mankind's victory over coronavirus pandemic.

"Happy Diwali and BandiChhorDivas! I know that this year celebrations will be different, but I am filled with respect for the way British Hindus, Sikhs and Jains have gone out of their way to help others throughout this pandemic," he wrote in the tweet that had a video message.

Also Read | Diwali 2020: India, along with the world, celebrates the festival of lights

"Namaste and Happy Diwali everybody. Millions of lamps are once again being lit as a spectacular joyful festival of Diwali is here. And of course, I knew that this year, as with so many other events, Diwali is not going to be the same. People across this country are making huge sacrifices, your lives have been put on hold, I know, your work and businesses have been disrupted. Let`s all take comfort from the meaning at the heart of this fantastic festival, and that the many millions of Diwali lights all over the world shine through the darkness as beacons of hope for a better future," he said."Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. So too, I have every confidence that we triumph over COVID-19. And as we all pull together, and play our part in defeating this virus, I`m filled with all and respect for the way British Hindus, Sikhs and Jains have risen to this challenge, and have gone out of their way to help others from the amazing doctors and nurses on the frontline, who cared for the sick throughout this crisis, to the temples that have used their kitchens to feed the vulnerable and support our key workers," Johnson added.Diwali is observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar and it is believed that on this day Lord Rama (the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu) returned from a 14-year-long exile, during which he fought and won a battle against the demon king Ravana.People across India and around the world celebrate the festival by decorating their houses, exchanging gifts, and offering prayers in order to commemorate the "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

Watch his video message below:

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