From Aditi Khanna
London

Describing Diwali as a “great moment” in Britain’s national calendar, Prime Minister David Cameron today greeted the Indian diaspora and lauded the community for their “incredible” contribution to the UK.

In his “Shubh Diwali!” message, Cameron also praised the active role played by the Indian diaspora in British life after he hosted his annual Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street this afternoon.

“To everyone celebrating, let me wish you a happy and peaceful Diwali and a prosperous New Year,” he said.

“Families are coming together, lights are being strung up, the food is going in the oven – Diwali is upon us once again. As the celebrations get underway, from London to Leicester, Glasgow to Gwent, Bristol to Birmingham, I want to send out my very best wishes to everyone celebrating the Festival of Lights,” Cameron said in his Diwali message.

Describing Diwali as a “a great moment in our national calendar and an opportunity to shine a light on the communities who do so much to make Britain great”, Cameron said, “in every walk of life, in every corner of our country you can see the immense contribution of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.”

“Whether it is treating patients in our National Health Service (NHS), teaching children in our schools, building the businesses that boost our economy, keeping our streets safe in the police and armed forces – all the while helping to make Britain what we are so proud to be: the greatest multi-racial democracy on earth,” he said.

“Day in day out, these communities put into practice the very best of British values like generosity, responsibility, enterprise, family. Nowhere are those values more evident than in people’s religious beliefs,” Cameron said.

“I think of the people of Neasden Mandir or those at Gurdwara Sahib Leamington and Warwick, demonstrating every day the devotion and dedication they derive from their faith by helping others. I want to thank all of them for their incredible contribution to Britain. We are better and stronger for it,” he added.

PTI