Leaders greet nation on occasion of Diwali

12:17 November 14

Congress President Sonia Gandhi’s Diwali Message

Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi has extended greetings and warm wishes to all countrymen and women on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. 

She expressed hope and prayed that a million lamps illuminating India & our hearts on this festival of lights would end the gloom of pandemic, darkness of economic recession and distress being caused to fellow citizens.

Appealing people to adhere to all the pandemic related guidelines and precautions as they celebrate, Smt Gandhi also hoped that this festive, joyous and pious occasion will put the Nation back on to the path of progress, harmony and prosperity.

08:31 November 14

Amit Shah Extends Greetings On Diwali

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday extended his greetings to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

"This holy festival of Deepawali brings happiness and prosperity in the lives of all the countrymen, I wish all the best health for everyone. Best wishes on Deepotsav," Shah tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi).

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes.

"Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this festival further brightness and happiness. May everyone be prosperous and healthy," he tweeted.

On Friday, he appealed to citizens of the country to light a 'diya' on Diwali as a salute to the soldiers guarding the nation on the borders.

"This Diwali, let us also light a Diya as a #Salute2Soldiers who fearlessly protect our nation. Words can't do justice to the sense of gratitude we've for our soldiers for their exemplary courage. We're also grateful to families of those on the borders," he tweeted. 

07:36 November 14

Vice President Naidu greets people on eve of Diwali

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday greeted people on the eve of Diwali, saying the festival is a reminder that there is a need to constantly quell demonic forces and foster goodness and harmony in society.

In his message, he said Deepawali signifies the victory of good over evil and reaffirms our belief in the noble ideals and morals of Lord Ram''s life.  

"The festival reminds us that we need to constantly quell the demonic forces and foster goodness and harmony in our society," he said.

The festival is always an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate.

But this year, given the unprecedented health emergency due to COVID-19, Naidu urged people to celebrate Deepawali by adhering to health and hygiene protocols.

"May this festival dispel the darkness of ignorance and kindle the light of knowledge and enlightenment. May it bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives," he said.

07:29 November 14

President greets people on Dewali

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday greeted people on the occasion of Diwali.

The President said in a message, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all the fellow citizens living in India and abroad.

“This festival, celebrated by people of various religions and sects, strengthens the sense of unity, goodwill and fraternity among the people of our country. The festival inspires us to work for the service of humanity.”

07:16 November 14

Leaders greet nation on occasion of Deepawali

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people on Diwali

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted people on the occasion of Diwali.

"Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali! May this festival further brightness and happiness. May everyone be prosperous and healthy," he tweeted.

On Friday, he appealed to citizens of the country to light a 'diya' on Diwali as a salute to the soldiers guarding the nation on the borders.

"This Diwali, let us also light a Diya as a #Salute2Soldiers who fearlessly protect our nation. Words can't do justice to the sense of gratitude we've for our soldiers for their exemplary courage. We're also grateful to families of those on the borders," he tweeted.  

PM Modi also tweeted an audio clip of his recent 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, in which he had first given a call to citizens to light a 'diya' for soldiers on the festival of lights.  

"We must remember our brave soldiers who are guarding our borders even in this festive time, serving Bharat Mata and providing security. We must celebrate Diwali only after remembering them. We must also light a lamp for these brave sons and daughters of Mother India," the Prime Minister said.

He said that even though all soldiers and frontline COVID-19 workers would not be home to celebrate the festival with their loved ones, the entire nation would pray for them.