November 6, 2010 -- Today as Hindus in Seychelles and around the world light the Diya lamp, they celebrate the triumph of good over evil in the most important festival in the Hindu calendar,  Diwali -- the festival of lights. Diwali is a festive celebration for Hindus; a time for prayer and rejoicing, but also an opportunity to consider the needs of others, the community and the importance of harmony and tolerance within our society.

The Diya lamp is in itself a symbol of the power of light, of good, and its victory over darkness and ignorance. Seychelles is blessed with peace and harmony between people of different faiths, and we need to continue to shine the light of this  peace in our communities, and protect our social cohesion, so that that the ignorance and darkness of division does not undermine the achievements we have striven for as a united Seychellois nation.

I wish the Hindu community in Seychelles a Happy Diwali with warm wishes and prosperity for the year ahead.