The new Prime Minister Rt Hon Theresa May kept the tradition of Diwali alive at 10 Downing Street by organising a reception for Britain's Indian community on Monday 24 October 2016. Attended by several MPs, Peers, business and community representatives, No 10 was buzzing with the spirit of Diwali. She welcomed more than 150 key figures from across the Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.
The stairs leading to the reception were beautifully decorated with chains of orange and yellow marigolds and were dotted with candles.
Inside the main hall there was a huge Annakut displayed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple. The evening started with an introduction on Diwali by Reema Patel from BAPS Swaminarayan Temple. She then invited Rena Amin and Henal Patel to put a garland around the Prime Minister and tie the 'nara chadi' (bracelet) around Mrs May's wrist.
The Prime Minister was joined by His Excellency Dinesh Patnaik, Acting Indian High Commissioner, and Jitendra Patel, Trustee of Neasden Temple, in the traditional lamp lighting ceremony.
Mrs May was also flanked by the Secretary of State for International Development, Priti Patel, Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities, Sajid Javid, Shailesh Vara MP, Lord Gadhia and Foreign Office Minister Alok Sharma.
Shrutidharma das from the Hare Krishna Temple took the podium and said this Diwali he would like all to focus on three things: to give, to forgive and to be grateful.
“Not only to our community but also to Britain. In the words of the Prime Minister I would like to say: Celebrating Diwali at No 10 stands for a fairer Britain,” he added, finishing his speech with some Sanskrit shlokas.
The Prime Minister spoke about the importance of Diwali, the reach and scale of appeal, the story and values of the Indian diaspora in the British society in every field and the importance of Indo-British relationship, in the light of her upcoming visit to India.
Rt Hon Theresa May, addressing the Indian diaspora exclusively for the first time, said: “Thank you, and welcome to 10 Downing Street. It is great to have so many of you here at this special time of the year and an honour to host my first Diwali reception as Prime Minister.
“For me, one of the most remarkable things about this festival is the sheer scale of its reach and the universal appeal of its message.
“Look at India – over a billion people, speaking hundreds of different languages, following various different faiths – united by this festival of light.
“Look at the rest of the world, and the colourful celebrations taking place from Singapore to South Africa, Australia to Nepal.
“And look at Britain, where, right now, people are buying gifts on Leicester’s Golden Mile, preparing pendas on Soho Road in Birmingham, and stringing up lights on Wembley’s Ealing Road – all in time for five holy days that are such an important part of our national life.”
Speaking about the importance and message of Diwali, she added, “When we analyse the true meaning of Diwali, its relevance extends beyond India, beyond the Indian diaspora and even beyond the Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists who, in different ways, mark the festival. Its messages apply to every single one of us – whatever our background, whatever our faith.
“Now I have to say I haven’t read all 24,000 verses in the epic poem about Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya. But I do know the story of his homecoming from the many Diwali celebrations I have attended in my own constituency over the years. Over a number of years the children have acted out the story.”
Relating the message of Diwali to her role and the contributions of the diaspora to the British society, she said, “The values he embodied are values which we can all heed. Values of charity, sacrifice and responsibility; to paraphrase Mahatma Gandhi: losing ourselves in the service of others.
“Values of good conduct – dharma – taking the right path and ensuring that good triumphs over evil.
“Values of hope, optimism, of forgiveness – of the new beginnings and clean slates represented by the Hindu New Year as people wear new clothes and say prayers for the year ahead.
“I think these are the values we need more than ever as we forge a new, positive, ambitious role for Britain in the world.
“The mission of my government – that fairer Britain – is to build a country that works for everyone – a country where no matter who you are, you can achieve your dreams.
“The achievements of our British Indian communities – one-and-a-half million people – demonstrate just how much a country can achieve when talent is unleashed and people of all backgrounds are able to fulfil their potential – that’s what is important.
“Our political system becomes more representative and more effective – and I am so proud to have Priti Patel in the Cabinet; Alok Sharma in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; MPs like Shailesh Vara and Rishi Sunak in the Commons; and peers like Jitesh Gadhia, Dolar Popat, Sandip Verma and Ranbir Suri in the Lords.
“When talent is unleashed, our education system offers more choice and opportunity. Indeed, it is Hindu Schools, like the Avanti Trust, which are achieving great things and underlining why we need to go further in supporting faith schools.
“Our economy becomes more successful and dynamic – including those up-and-coming industries that attract such a diverse range of entrepreneurs, like technology, film and, close to my own heart, fashion.
“And our society becomes stronger, as people from all backgrounds play their part in making our schools, hospitals, police forces and armed forces the best they can be.”
Commenting on her upcoming visit, Mrs May concluded by saying, “...As we gather here today, as we celebrate the achievements of British Indians and all our many diverse communities, I want us to remember the importance of removing the barriers that prevent people from reaching their potential.
“I want us to be proud of what Diwali means to our nation – after all, it was here in Downing Street that Prime Minister Modi chose to start the last Hindu New Year.
“And, next month I am delighted to be returning his visit when I go to India – it will be my first bilateral outside of the European Union and I’m going from Delhi to Bangalore – a true celebration of relations between our countries and our shared ambitions for the future.
“Above all, I want to wish you all a Shubh Deepawali and give my best wishes to those celebrating Bandhi Chhor Diwas too.”
Vegetarian starters, mocktails and Indian sweets were catered for all by Ragasaan. At the exit, volunteers from BAPS Swaminarayan Temple distributed boxed prashad for guests to take away with them. Also was present Larry the cat, the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office to wish everybody goodbye.
