Ahmedabad, 12 November 2012

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi today conveyed his greetings to the people on the auspicious festival of Diwali. Full text of Shri Modi’s message is following:

Dear Friends,

On the auspicious festival of Diwali, I convey my warmest greetings to the people of India and our Indian brothers and sisters abroad. I pray that this festival lights the lamp of happiness in every house. I would like to wish our Gujarati brothers and sisters on the commencement of Nutan Varsh (New Year). May the coming year bring heaps of peace joy and prosperity in our lives.

Diwali has been an integral part of our culture for thousands of years, commemorating the time when Shri Ram returned victorious to Ayodhya. It celebrates a move from darkness to light. It is the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Let us pray that our country be blessed with enough brightness to keep our nation away from the menace of corruption and price rise. It is then that we can free the poorest of the poor from the clutches of poverty and make each and every individual an integral part of our development journey.

Over the past many years, Diwali and Nutan Varsh have been celebrated across many nations overseas. Diwali has become a global event- drawing attention from people all over the world.

As a part of Diwali celebrations, while enjoying firecrackers we should also give adequate care towards safety. Hope all of you will spend quality time with family and the elders.

Once again, my heartfelt greetings on Diwali and the New Year.

Yours,

Narendra Modi.