UK (Commonwealth Union)_ UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, together with his wife Akshata Murty, hosted a special Diwali event at Downing Street, extending a warm welcome to guests from the Hindu community in anticipation of the festive occasion. The UK Prime Minister’s office, via their official X handle, reported the gathering as a celebration marking the triumph of light over darkness. Visuals shared by Downing Street on X captured the UK PM and his wife lighting diyas, surrounded by a considerable number of attendees who partook in the joyous celebration, with a message extending “Shubh Diwali to everyone across the UK and around the world.”
Also read: Meet the most generous Indian philanthropist who donates INR 5.6 crore per day!
The post read, “Tonight Prime Minister @RishiSunak welcomed guests from the Hindu community to Downing Street ahead of #Diwali – a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness”. Diwali, recognized as the Hindu festival of lights, signifies the spiritual triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, the festival is scheduled for November 12. Rishi Sunak, a devout Hindu with Punjabi roots, maintains a regular presence at the temple in Southampton, his birthplace. The recent visit to India for the G20 Summit saw Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, offering prayers at the renowned Akshardham Temple in New Delhi.
Also read: MEET THE INDIAN AMERICAN CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE LOCAL POLLS
Proudly affirming his Hindu identity, Sunak shared insights into his upbringing during the Rakshabandhan festival, emphasizing his pride in being a practicing Hindu. He had said, “I am a proud Hindu. That’s how I was raised, and that’s how I am. We just had Rakshabandhan, so from my sister and my cousin, I have all my Rakhis”.
In a demonstration of cultural embrace, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, alongside his wife, Akshata Murty, not only hosted a vibrant Diwali celebration at 10 Downing Street but also extended heartfelt Diwali wishes to the global Hindu community. The event, adorned with the ceremonial lighting of lamps and diyas, not only symbolized the cultural richness of the festival but also highlighted the deepening cultural exchange and diplomatic bonds between the United Kingdom and India.
Amidst the celebrations, recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak centered on the progress of the Free Trade Agreement during a telephone conversation. Sunak also conveyed his congratulations to PM Modi on Team India’s commendable performance in the ongoing Cricket World Cup. The dialogue between the two leaders also emphasized the friendship between the UK and India and explored recent advancements in the Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
