UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, while delivering a message about overcoming the coronavirus pandemic, talked about the spirit of Diwali – the victory of good over evil.
#UK PM Boris Johnson talks of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita in #Diwali message on #COVID-19
@BorisJohnson https://t.co/D876SjpDaK pic.twitter.com/bVYzGhQ3a8— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) November 9, 2020
During his address, Boris Johnson urged everyone to help in ensuring that the second stay-at-home lockdown is observed properly in the country. The lockdown was imposed in the country earlier this week in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“While undoubtedly there are huge challenges ahead, I have every confidence in the resilience and resolve and good sense of people across the country and that together we will overcome this virus, just as Diwali teaches us that light triumphs over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance,” Boris Johnson said on Friday.
“Just as Lord Rama and his wife Sita found their way home after the defeat of the demon king Ravana, their way lit by many millions of lamps, so too we shall find our way through this, and we shall do so triumphantly,” he added.
Johnson acknowledged that it would be difficult for people to celebrate festivals this year due to the lockdown restrictions. He praised the Indian community living in the UK for the sacrifices and efforts made by them for planning out a safe and secure Diwali.
“I know that celebrating at a distance isn’t easy when you want to get together with all your family or visit your friends or share with them the Diwali fun, as well of course the odd samosa or gulab jamun,” he said during his inaugural address at the ‘iGlobal Diwali Fest 2020’.
“So I want you to know that your sacrifices, and your determination to do the right thing really are helping to save lives, and tough though I know many aspects of this year have been, I have been blown away by the inspirational way in which Hindus, Sikhs and Jains have responded to this crisis with compassion, community spirit and a can-do attitude,” he added.
