On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, it is a pleasure to wish readers of Asian Voice a very happy, prosperous and safe Diwali. This is a time of joy and celebrations for all Indians regardless of their faith. Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years. It symbolises the victory of good over evil and is known the world over as the Festival of Lights! Guru Amardas listed Diwali as a festival for Sikhs along with Vaisakhi. It’s also Bandi Chor Diwas, the day Guru Hargobind along with 52 Hindu kings was released from prison by Emperor Jehangir. Diwali is the end of the year for Jains and the passing commemoration of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavira and his achievement of moksha. Many Buddhists celebrate Diwali by lighting lamps and celebrating Gautam Swami Buddha; the day on which Emperor Ashoka decided to follow the path of Buddhism; and return of Gautam Buddha to Kapilavastu with followers after 18 years. Muslims and Christians often join the Diwali celebrations of their friends. Widespread and grand celebrations of Diwali are, thus, a joy for Indians all over the world.
This year Diwali comes at a difficult time. The world is battling a global pandemic. Countries in Europe, including the UK are in their second lockdowns. In India, the steady opening up after a strict lockdown, saw a steep rise in Covid cases. Covid has disrupted normal life almost everywhere. Its impact on the economy has been extremely devastating. Job losses are rampant as economies have declined. Young people and students are dealing with online classes and are worried about their future. Large sections of society are struggling to cope with economic challenges, even as all of us try to find ways to cope with a new life of isolation and lack of social interaction. As we celebrate Diwali this year, we have to think of people facing these struggles. The Indian diaspora has been in the forefront to support those who were stranded by the stoppage of flights and first lockdown in the UK. The community’s support to the Indian student community has also been commendable. The spirit of Diwali should re-energise the spirit of service within the diaspora.
In much of north India, Diwali season comes with crop burning and pollution. In the UK, too, the approaching winter is the flu season. Corona virus has been added to the menu this year. Traditionally, Diwali celebrations are incomplete without bursting crackers. While fireworks add to the excitement of our celebrations, this year avoiding pollution causing firecrackers is essential, to prevent the adverse impact of Covid and pollution on our lungs.
But there is also good news this Diwali. With her success in the US elections, Vice President elect, Kamala Harris, has become the first woman of colour to shatter that high glass ceiling, reflecting the strength and vibrance of the global Indian diaspora. Just about 150 years ago, approximately 2 million Indians were taken as indentured labour to European colonies, as a substitute for slave labour, after abolition of slave trade in the early 19th century. Kamala Harris traces her Indian heritage more recently, through her mother who migrated to the US from India in 1958 after her graduation. Her brilliant success shows the long journey that the Indian diaspora has made through their hard work, focus on education, dedication to family and determination to succeed. Congratulating her, PM Modi called her success ‘pathbreaking’ and a source of pride. UK, too, possesses the most diverse Cabinet in history. Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary Priti Patel, Business and Energy Secretary, Alok Sharma and the Attorney General, Suella Braverman symbolise the vigour of Indian diaspora in the UK. The younger generation of the diaspora can take inspiration from these and other role models in politics, business, science and technology, art and media and the administration. There may be challenges today, but on this Diwali, the future looks bright for the Indian diaspora. Let this Diwali be one of hope for victory over the Coronavirus and success and prosperity for all!
(Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam is the former High Commissioner of India to the UK. With a career in Indian Foreign Service for over 35 years, she has been posted in many countries, before arriving in the UK. She was only the second woman High Commissioner to the UK since India’s independence and during her tenure, she witnessed a number of significant developments in the UK-India relations. Asian Voice welcomes her first of many columns, EXCLUSIVE for our readers).
