The soft power of Diwali

The soft power of Diwali:

Here's wishing all of you are happy diwali once again what are your plans for the festival let me show you how the uae the united arab emirates is celebrating diwali [Music] preparations for diwali are also on in full swing in malaysia take a look at these images [Music] [Applause] beautiful isn't it the united states is also celebrating diwali allow me to tell you how america is introducing a resolution to declare diwali a federal holiday meaning if passed diwali will be a national holiday in the u.s just like it is in india if passed this bill will honor 5 million indian americans they make 1.2 percent of the u.s population one in every 10 tech worker one in every three co-founders of a start-up nine percent of american doctors who serve every seventh patient in the u.s these are indian americans america is taking steps to recognize their contribution recognize their culture the indian culture the bill gives indian americans the chance to celebrate diwali thousands of miles away from india it also gives 332 million americans the chance to participate in diwali festivities every year the white house lights adhere on diwali the tradition was started by president barack obama donald trump maintained it he later diya in the oval office for every diwali.

He spent there and not too far away from the united states canadian prime minister justin trudeau was also seen lighting at the ya when the gohan virus pandemic struck last year he moved the celebrations online festival is the idea that light good and knowledge will always triumph over darkness evil and ignorance this we say is a soft power of diwali every diwali messages pour in from around the world from the u.s from africa asian countries australia leaders make it a point to send a special message to the world on diwali here's what the president of kenya uhuru kenyatta said last year and i'm quoting let us borrow a leaf from our hindu sikh and gujarati brothers and sisters and embrace knowledge over ignorance good over evil and light over darkness let us love one another learn from one another and continue to build bridges of understanding tolerance and development for the prosperity of our great nation you see the soft power of diwali lies in the pure messaging of the festival diwali celebrates goodness celebrates peace and brotherhood do you know there's something called the diwali power of one awards diwali power one the awards are co-sponsored by 26 u.n missions the awards recognize diplomats at the united nations for their contribution to peace in 2018 for example vietnam's former permanent representative to the u.n was honored this was for vietnam's reproach more with the u.s thailand's ambassador to the u.s was also honored this was for his leadership at the group of 77 developing countries at the united nations.

Here's something belarus's permanent representative to the u.n said at the awards diwali's quote-unquote spirit of peace and charity is in lockstep with the ideals of the united nations well here's why people celebrate diwali it marks the return of lord ram to ayodhya after defeating demon king rawan and spending 14 years in exile for many communities diwali marks the start of a new year in some communities diwali celebrated in honor of goddess kali it is believed that she went on a rampage to rid the earth of all demons the essence of this festival of lights lies in celebrating the victory of good over evil celebrating a new start these are messages that resonate with countries worldwide no matter how mighty or tiny they all relate the charm of this festival is unmatched it spreads the message of harmony and brotherhood it encourages people to celebrate together light a deer together share sweets gifts feast together come to think of it diwali is a very fun and attractive festival it's no wonder diwali celebrations are among the most colorful nights at embassies around the world diwali also has a lot of lot to offer for those seeking a quiet time at home you see diwali like yoga has a deep spiritual meaning here's something the indian philosophy of vedanta says a person must fill his heart with the oil of love light the wick with knowledge of truth the knowledge of truth and ward off ignorance diwali is about connecting with one's inner light just like yoga is about connecting with one's soul diwali like yoga is india's gift to the world brings together people from across religions jains believe that lord mahavir attained nirvana or eternal bliss on diwali it's auspicious for sikhs too.

It was on diwali that the sixth sikh guru guru har gobind was freed from mughal emperor jahangir's captivity in 2016 the united states inaugurated a diwali stamp it's now five years old every diwali celebrated in the temples of cambodia on the beaches of bali on the islands of mauritius diwali is a public holiday in fiji a public holiday in malaysia it is one of the most prominent festivals in sri lanka nepal celebrates its animals on diwali every time adiya is lit anywhere around the world it shines the light of india's soft power it spreads the light of happiness and india's message of peace here's how we say it in india tamaso majot may the light of knowledge remove the darkness of ignorance so once again a very happy diwali to all of you.