“Jot se jot jagate chalo, prem ki Ganga bahate chalo"
जोत से जोत जगाते चलो, प्रेम की गंगा बहाते चलो।
Diwali Messages
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER
DIWALI 2020
Warmest greetings to everyone celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights, it’s a special moment for people of many faiths.
At the time of the new moon, on the darkest day of the month, Diwali carries a powerful message. It tells of how light dispels darkness.
Most years, we often think of this dispelling of darkness as a theoretical concept rather than something that is experienced and overcome.
Message
This year, Diwali’s message has a special significance. Every nation on earth is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lives and livelihoods have been lost as we have witnessed the most dramatic shock in generations.
Despite this, we have a common hope. Throughout 2020, despite our own fears, we have supported each other, encouraged each other, and stood with each other.
We have drawn strength and inspiration from our medical professionals, teachers, cleaners, retail staff, police and Defence Force personnel and so many more who have responded to the crisis with compassion and professionalism. Around the clock, medical researchers are working on a vaccine – a vaccine that nations like Australia are committed to sharing.
Yes, we have seen darkness this year, but the light is overcoming that darkness. There is light ahead, and there is hope.
Australia is the most successful multicultural nation on earth and at this Diwali, I pay tribute to all those who have brought this tradition to our shores. I also acknowledge the hundreds of illions worldwide participating, including many close friends in India.
I have been privileged to attend Diwali celebrations in the past, and remember those times fondly. While this year will, understandably, be different, I thank everyone who is celebrating for finding ways to celebrate while also keeping the community safe.
At this Diwali, may the hope of our humanity that we have seen throughout this year, dispel the darkness and challenges of our times.
The Hon Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister of Australia
November 2020
The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP
Leader of the Opposition
DIWALI 2020
I wish all of you a wonderful Diwali festival. As a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, it is a most welcome and timely antidote to the uncertainty that surrounds us. The glow of your diyas will take on even greater importance this year.
We have all had to adapt to the realities of the coronavirus pandemic, yet even amid all this upheaval, Diwali will stand tall as a striking expression of your tradition and your spirituality, your devotion and your faith. Diwali was here long before the pandemic, and it will be going strong long after the pandemic has passed into history.
Message
The pandemic means the nature of your celebrations will be different this year, but what doesn’t change is Diwali’s promise that the darkness will be broken by the light. I sympathise with those who aren’t able to return to their ancestral homes, and to those unable to celebrate with their families this year.
I wish you joy, I wish you good feasting, and I wish by this time next year, we’ll all be gathered together again in the glow of the diyas.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Albanese
Leader of the Australian Labor Party
India Australia Multicultural Sports Association is hosting a Pink Stumps Day to raise funds to continue to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses. Every day almost 54 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. McGrath Breast Care Nurses help individuals and their families experiencing breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support, for free. While more than 86,000 families have been supported since 2005, more nurses are needed to meet the growing rate of breast cancer diagnosis in Australia.
Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association will be organising a get together on 6 December 2020 from 3.00 – 6.00 pm at the John Knight Park Townsend Place Belconnen to celebrate the completion of 550th birthday year of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the first Sikh Guru and a social reformer. More trees will be planted and refreshments will also be served. CPSCA invites you all to join.
