PARLIAMENTARIANS DELIVER DIWALI GREETINGS
(10 November 2004)

The Home Secretary David Blunkett lit the Diwali lamp at the House of Commons on 10th November to thunderous applause at a reception co-hosted by the Hindu Forum of Britain, the largest umbrella body for British Hindus. Later, the leader of the Conservative Party, Michael Howard launched the high profile website of the Hindu Forum to a standing ovation. The audience of more than 400 people included MPs, Peers, diplomats, community leaders, business organisations, youth and leaders of different faith communities.

The reception had transformed the Members’ Dining Room into a spectacle of colour with traditional Hindu decorations, rangoli designs, Hindu deities, exquisite Indian costumes, food displays, devotional music and the now traditional Diwali message of goodwill from political leaders.

Prime Minister Tony Blair sent his message for Diwali saying, “I am delighted that more and more people of all backgrounds celebrate Diwali which is rapidly becoming one of our country’s most popular festivals. I am deeply touched by the unity, warmth and joy this festival brings each year and the role it plays in enabling us to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures and faiths in our society.”

“The Hindu community in Britain has set an example by their adherence to peace, discipline and family values. Diwali which symbolises the victory of good over the evil has become one of the key festivals of Britain. It brings us joy and happiness”, said Blunkett after lighting the Diwali lamp. Echoing his sentiments, the Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said, “The Indian community is prospering due of its adherence to principles and family values.”

“We are delighted that the Hindu Forum of Britain is celebrating Diwali at the House of Commons with Parliamentarians from all parties. Diwali is a very special festival because it’s message of peace, justice and victory are shared by all faiths and all cultures,” commented Michael Howard, Leader of the Conservative Party. “The Hindu community in Britain has made a remarkable contribution to the country’s economy, culture and the professions. We hope that your community will continue to prosper and influence British society with the inclusive values that are so characteristic of the Hindu faith.”

“The Hindu Forum of Britain has managed to unite the largest number of Hindu organisations in the history of Britain, and has truly become the voice of British Hindus,” added Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain. “We are pleased that Parliamentarians from all parties have recognised this fact and are working closely with us in promoting the values of inclusiveness and tolerance that festivals like Diwali stand for.”

While congratulating the Hindu Forum on uniting over 230 Hindu organisations on a single platform, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party, Charles Kennedy, said, “This multi-party event is not only a celebration of the victory of Lord Rama over the forces of evil, but is a reminder of how well the Hindu community have integrated into British society.”

Jyotsna Thanki, Vice President of the HFB reminded the audience that, ‘celebrating diversity at the seat of democracy is an important step in nation building, the Hindu community are an essential cohesive force within society that serves the country well’.

The President of the HFB, Ishwer Tailor MBE said, ‘The richness in all our diversity is an immense treasure that we should all rejoice during the time of Diwali. British Hindus are now an integral part of modern day Britain, as such, the aspirations of the Hindu community are now also the aspirations of the nation’.

Other delegates who attended the reception included the Home Secretary David Blunkett, the Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, Liam Fox MP, Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Charles Kennedy, Simon Hughes MP and the acting Indian High Commissioner Satyabrat Pal.

The Parliamentary hosts who are co-hosting the reception with the Hindu Forum are: Virginia Bottomley MP, Peter Luff MP, Lord Dholakia, Stephen Pound MP, Lady Hermon, Alex Salmond MP, Piara Khabra MP, Ashok Kumar MP, Baroness Flather, Dominic Grieve MP, and Keith Vaz MP.