PM: Light prevails over darkness

In his Divali message to the nation, the Prime Minister declared, “Filled with the light of hope, we too, can face our challenges boldly, courageously and fearlessly with a single minded focus of building a strong, united, prosperour nation.”

As he noted the stunning visual impact of thousands of lighted deyas during Divali celebrations every year, Rowley said, “Divali is celebrated on the darkest period in the Hindu calendar, yet it is joyous celebration of light- not merely the light of the flames of the deyas but a deeper more enduring light which dispels the darkness of ignorance, a light which shows us the way on our journey through life.”

He said light, “has the power to piece the shroud of intolerance, hatred, ungratefulness, fear, greed and injustice to allow in God’s gifts of grace, enlightenment, peace, success and prosperity.”

Rowley said Divali is an occasion when one recalled the Ramayana, learning of the duty and devotion of Lord Rama and the loyalty and love of his wife Sita, both of whom suffered great difficulties and injustice but responded to all their hardships by behaving nobly and with humility.The Prime Minister observed that very often as people go on with their daily tasks and duties, “we forget that the symbolism and messages in the stories of our various religious traditions offer a guide to the conduct of our lives.”