Speech at the Diwali Reception

Mr Chairman, Your Excellency, Bernard WeatherillMr Speaker, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been asked to have the last word which seems to me very appropriate because my first words must be a thanks to you Mr Chairman for your gracious and marvellous hospitality on this evening of celebration.

For the first time I have attended the Festival of Light, this week's celebration and two things strike me very much about it. First, that it does celebrate the triumph of light over evil and therefore reminds us of the good things we enjoy and puts all those complaints which I hear so much about right away …   . (inaudible). So I think we should have more Festivals of Light; it's an absolutely, more of them, more of good things. And the second thing, which strikes me very much indeed is that we share this evening, share this celebration, not only between citizens of India and citizens of Great Britain, but also with many, many friends the world over. Although we are, so many of us, citizens of Great Britain, but also with many, many friends the world over. Although we are, so many of us, citizens of Britain and we love India, so many citizens of India love Britain, that is not enough. We all have to think locally in this ever smaller world. And this evening therefore we share our experience and share our …   . Hari Krishna you have mentioned, India of course and her people there. May I take advantage of this occasion to send my warm greetings to Prime Minister Rajiv GandhiGandhi, express my admiration for him and the great work upon which he is embarked and wish he and his family health, prosperity and happiness in the coming year.

Thank you Mr Chairman. A heart-felt thank you from us all in asking us to join you in this great Festival of Celebration of Light.