On behalf of the Federal Labor Party it gives us great pleasure to send our well wishes to everyone celebrating the festival of Diwali.
Around the world houses will be cleaned and decorated for festivities; families will come together in prayer, reflection and celebration. Millions of lights will shine on housetops, outside doors and windows, around temples and other buildings. All of these lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness, victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.
Diwali is a time of celebration and renewal, but also a time for reflection – a time that reminds us that we each have an obligation to perform seva, or service, to others. In times when we hear so much tragedy, let Diwali remind us that good will always prevail over evil.
Let us also use this celebration to reflect on the marvellous contribution your community has made on multicultural Australia. I applaud your work in helping to build a socially cohesive society and in advancing the course towards peace in Australia and the world.
We trust that each and every one of you will celebrate Diwali with a family feast, along with many sweets, gifts and fireworks.
May the glow of the diyas light your path towards progress and continued success.
—The Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Leader Of The Opposition, Shadow Minister For Indigenous Affairs And Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islanders, Member For Maribyrnong.
—The Hon Tony Burke MP, Shadow Minister For The Environment And Water, Shadow Minister For Citizenship And Multicultural Australia, Shadow Minister For The Arts, Member For Watson.
Online Source: The Indian Telegraph.
