UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson drew parallels between the festival of Diwali and Britain’s fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic. Johnson made the remarks during his inaugural address for ‘iGlobal Diwali Fest 2020’.
“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,” UK PM Boris Johnson said addressing the country from his official residence, 10 Downing Street in London on Friday.
Drawing parallels between the triumph of good over evil as signified by the festival of lights, Johnson said, “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 to we shall find our way through this, and we shall do so triumphantly.”
UK PM Boris Johnson also noted that the festival of Diwali would be celebrated amid lockdown restrictions in Britain. He further praised the Indian community in the UK for the sacrifices they may have to make to ensure a safe and secure Diwali amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“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 gulab jamun and samosa,” news agency PTI quoted Johnson as saying.
