Ahmedabad, 14 November 2012

On the auspicious occasion of Gujarati new year, President of United States of America Barack Obama wished people around the globe on celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

The President concluded the message with a heartfelt ‘Happy Diwali’ and ‘Saal Mubarak’. The term ‘saal mubarak’ is used in Gujarat on the occassion of Gujarati new year that starts a day after Diwali.

In his address, the US president said, “Tomorrow, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, here in America and around the world, will celebrate the holiday of Diwali – the festival of lights.”

He said, “This is a day when members of some of the world’s oldest religions celebrate the triumph of good over evil.”

Last year, I marked this holiday as many will this weekend – by lighting the Diya, or lamp. This lamp symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

To those celebrating Diwali in India, I look forward to visiting you over the next few days. And to all those who will celebrate this joyous occasion on Friday, I wish you, your families and loved ones Happy Diwali and ‘Saal’ Mubarak.

However the Indian Prime Minister, whose Twitter handle is @PMOIndia failed to tweet Sal Mubarak on Gujarati new year day.

UK Prime Minister wishes Saalmubarak: https://twitter.com/Number10gov/status/268292615642968064

President Obama Marks Diwali: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/11/13/president-obama-marks-diwali

“To those celebrating Diwali, I wish you, your families & loved ones Happy Diwali & Saal Mubarak.” -President Obama: https://twitter.com/whitehouse/status/268416782568665089