Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford joined the official Indian government Diwali celebrations held at Cardiff University, and also inaugurated the Namami Gange exhibition. There were performances by Indian dancers and musicians and the university building was lit up in the orange, white and green colours of the Indian flag. The 67-year-old Labour politician was joined on 12 November by the Indian High Commissioner Gaitri Issar Kumar and Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal, who organised the event at the Student Life Centre, on Park Place in central Cardiff.
The bustling event was attended by 150 guests and included some exuberant celebrations. Speaking at the event Mark Drakeford said: “The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of international collaboration. There are strong links between India and Wales in health, not least through the efforts of medical professionals from the Indian community in Wales. Diwali is an occasion for us to acknowledge this and the wider contribution that the community makes to Wales.” The event was also the launch of the Namami Gange Exhibition created by the High Commission of India, which highlights important environmental projects to preserve and protect the river Ganges and its ecosystem. The exhibition also encourages engagement from people in the UK who want to get involved in the rejuvenation, restoration and conservation of this hugely important river system.
Speaking at the event Indian High Commissioner Gaitri Issar Kumar said: "It is an honour that the First Minister is here hosting this celebration of Diwali, not only for the community of Indian origin in Wales but also to reinforce the warm bonds of friendship between the people of Wales and the 1.3 billion people of India. The Indian community in Wales are so thoroughly integrated and contributing to the prosperity of Wales and strengthening the healthcare and services sector of the nation. I want to thank the political and community leaders of Cardiff for their role in making generations of the Indian origin community feel welcome and secure here in Wales." Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal said: “It was great to have everyone back and able to celebrate Diwali together again. Last year we were unable to have a physical event during the Covid outbreak so this year is particularly special and we are able to meet up with old friends and colleagues again and watch these amazing dancers and musicians and celebrate this great festival in the Hindu calendar."
