London: Political leaders from several countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, extended Diwali greetings on Sunday, wishing peace, prosperity, unity and hope to people celebrating the festival.
“Wishing all my Indian friends in India, France, and around the world, a very happy Diwali! May its light inspire us to ever uphold unity, peace, and hope!” Macron wrote on social media, alongside a similar message in Hindi.
Carney said communities across Canada were joining millions around the world to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
“The signs and symbols of Diwali carry a message that speaks beyond religion or culture. It is a call to compassion and understanding, and of love and unity,” he said in a video message on social media.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, “Heartfelt wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali in the UAE and around the world. May this auspicious occasion and the coming year bring excellent health and prosperity to you all and your families.”
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Diwali symbolised “the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance”.
“The true meaning of Deepavali extends beyond illuminating homes with the light of oil lamps. It lies in kindling the light of love, compassion, brotherhood and humanity in the hearts of people,” he said.
He called for a society that chose “kindness over hatred, coexistence over division, and justice over injustice”, and wished Hindu devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world a peaceful, joyful and prosperous Diwali.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also greeted the Hindu community, saying Diwali symbolised the triumph of light over “the darkness of hatred, intolerance and despair”.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry also extended greetings, saying, “As millions around the world light their diyas to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, Israel extends warm wishes for peace, renewal and hope. May the lights of Diwali shine not only in homes but also in hearts.”
Seychelles President Patrick Herminie said the Indian community had been “an integral part of our national fabric”, enriching the country’s cultural heritage and contributing to its economic and social development.
“May the light of Diwali illuminate every home with peace, prosperity and happiness, and may it continue to inspire unity and harmony throughout our nation,” he said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Diwali should strengthen unity and bridge differences in the country’s diverse society.
“In a plural society that perpetuates diversity of cultures and traditions, the value of mutual respect, understanding and accepting differences must be continually strengthened,” he said.
US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali at the White House on Friday, lighting a diya in the Oval Office in the presence of Indian-American officials, entrepreneurs and diplomats.
