Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the significant contributions of the British Indian community as 10 Downing Street glowed with diyas and floral decorations to mark the festival of lights.
While Prime Minister Starmer was attending the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt on Monday, Communities Secretary Steve Reed represented him at the annual Diwali celebrations.
The event opened with devotional music performed by the Chinmaya Mission UK’s Swaranjali group, followed by prayers offered by ISKCON’s Visakha Dasi and Kirit Wadia of the Zoroastrian community.
Representing the Prime Minister, Steve Reed said that this year’s Diwali prayers carried special significance, coinciding with the historic Gaza peace plan achieved in Egypt. He added that the spirit of Diwali — symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and hope over despair — resonated deeply with current global efforts toward peace and unity.
Source: English Mathrubhumi
