Remarks by Hon. Moses Nagamootoo Prime Minister & First Vice President (Acting President) – Message on the occasion of Diwali
Monday, November 5, 2018
On this special occasion of the celebration of Diwali or Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, I send greetings to all our Hindu brothers and sisters.
This is a time when, traditionally, devotees lit Diyas in their yards and surroundings to symbolise the return of Lord Rama and his wife, Sita, to Ayodhya after the defeat of the dreaded demons. The Diyas also depicts knowledge that radiates from the Hindu Goddess, Mother Lakshmi.
In Guyana, this auspicious event is observed as a National Holiday, where the spiritual significance of Diwali co-exists with its moral content. Guyanese embrace Diwali as light extinguishing darkness; as good triumphing over evil.
Guyanese from all social strata invite the symbolic radiance into their lives, to shut out negativity and gloom, arrogance and anger; and to invigorate their soul with bright hopes for peace, unity and the good life.
I commend the staff of the Office of the Prime Minister for observing Diwali in customary clothes, and by sharing prasad or home-made sweets. As they have done at all other national events, our staff did so notwithstanding their cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.
This is a time for togetherness, for social cohesion and the grace of tolerance amongst all of our people.
On behalf of the Government of Guyana, my wife Sita and my family, I send you best wishes on this special day, and our sincere hope that your life will be blessed with peace and happiness.
Shubh Diwali.