Obama’s India visit reflects spirit of Diwali: Hillary
By Arun Kumar, IANSFriday, November 5, 2010
WASHINGTON - As US President Barack Obama flew off to India on Diwali day for a history making trip, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hailed it as a fitting celebration of their “auspicious partnership” and “great friendship”.
Sending “warm wishes to the millions of families around the world who are celebrating Diwali, the Indian festival of lights”, she noted: “Many faiths celebrate this holiday to remember that light and truth conquer darkness and compassion drives out ill will.”
“Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains mark Diwali with their own distinctive traditions but they all value compassion, self-reflection, and family togetherness,” Clinton noted.
“These ideals transcend faith, region, and culture, so it is fitting that President Obama’s upcoming visit to India coincides with this year’s Diwali celebration,” she said.
“We join the people of India to celebrate this joyful festival, the auspicious partnership between our two countries, and the great friendship between our people. I wish all people of Indian descent a very happy Diwali and a safe and prosperous year.”
(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)
