UK PM Boris Johnson, Prince Charles wish Diwali with theme of hope and triumph over COVID-19
- This year, perhaps more than any other, Diwali holds a potent meaning for all of us: Boris Johnson
- "I have every confidence – that we shall triumph over COVID-19," Johnson said referring to the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana
- I hope that you might still draw strength from the message of Diwali – that ultimately good will triumph over evil: Prince Charles
As a reflective of overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles used the analogy of victory of light over darkness to mark the festival of Diwali on Saturday.
Issuing an annual statement, Johnson said, “This year, perhaps more than any other, Diwali holds a potent meaning for all of us; because just as surely as Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana and brought his wife Sita home, and just as Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, so too – I have every confidence – that we shall triumph over COVID-19.”
Also Read | PM Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, and other leaders greet the nation on Diwali
As Diwali is being marked in a locked-down setting across the UK, he reiterated the “mantra” for a year for people to wash hands, wear a face covering, and keep their distance from anyone not part of the household.
“Let’s all take comfort from the meaning at the heart of this fantastic festival. And let the many millions of Diwali lights all over the world shine through the darkness as beacons of hope for a better future,” he said, adding his wishes for British Sikhs for Bandi Chhor Divas.
Also Read | Movies, web series you can watch this Diwali weekend
Meanwhile, Prince Charles, released a Diwali message video pointing out how the festival this year coincides with his own 72nd birthday, and said, “The Festival of Lights is, I know, a special time for families and friends to come together to share gifts and sweets and to enjoy each other’s companies. Very sadly this year, the ongoing public health crisis means that this will simply not be possible for so many of you and I can so well imagine how difficult and disappointing this must be.”
“Amid these strange and difficult circumstances, however, I hope that you might still draw strength from the message of Diwali – that ultimately good will triumph over evil, hope over despair and light over darkness,” he said.
Related Articles
ADVERTISEMENT