Diwali’s message of light inspires gratitude for life-sustaining nature – President Ali

…PM lauds efforts to maintain Hindu traditions

As the sacred and luminous occasion of Diwali is observed today, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that this Hindu Festival of Light is interconnected with the gifts of nature that sustain life. “Diwali’s reverence for light invites reflection on the gifts of nature that sustain all life. The Festival of Light quietly teaches that our health, prosperity, and joy are inseparable from the natural world, urging us to celebrate responsibly and protect the environment that sustains us all,” the Head of State said in his Diwali Message to the Nation. The Head of State noted that Diwali is a radiant remembrance of light overcoming darkness, wisdom dispelling ignorance, and goodness rising triumphant over evil.

As Guyana enjoys bright days, President Ali urged citizens to be mindful that true prosperity is measured not only by what is created, but also by what is preserved. He emphasised that the country’s emerging prosperity must never be purchased at the expense of its extraordinary natural inheritance.
With Guyana now recognised globally for championing environmental stewardship, the Guyanese leader called for continued efforts to ensure that development and environmental protection advance together. Ali reminded that Guyana’s forests, covering approximately 85 per cent of the country’s landmass, are a global environmental asset. Similarly, he added that biodiversity, freshwater resources, mangroves, and marine ecosystems are all essential to Guyana’s economic resilience and human survival. The challenge, the President stated, is for the country to demonstrate to the world that a nation can develop its economy, create opportunities, and improve living standards while protecting its ecological inheritance. “This calls for a deeper appreciation of the delicate balance between progress and preservation, between the promise of prosperity and the duty of stewardship. A nation’s greatness must be reflected not only in the opportunities it creates for those living today, but in the environmental legacy it secures for generations yet unborn.” “And it is in this spirit that we must embrace a more enduring covenant with nature. For what we inherit from the earth carries with it an obligation to protect, nurture and pass it on, enriched rather than diminished. It is this wisdom, this reverence for the interconnectedness of all life, that gives particular resonance to the celebration of Diwali,” the Guyanese leader posited.
The President extended wishes for the lights of Diwali to illuminate a deeper understanding and acceptance that Guyana’s forests, rivers, biodiversity, and oceans are not merely natural resources but the foundations of life and human well-being. He called on Guyanese to continue to safeguard these assets.

Sustaining traditions
Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his Diwali message said that this sacred festival will see thousands of diyas illuminate communities across the country, continuing a tradition that generations of Guyanese have cherished and preserved. This year, as Guyana marks 60 years of independence, PM Phillips said there are much more reasons to reflect on the traditions such as this Festival of Light that have helped shape the nation.

“Our Hindu community has made a lasting contribution to Guyanese life, sustaining its faith while sharing the beauty of its celebrations with the wider society. Many Guyanese have grown up looking forward to the Diwali motorcades and the welcome extended by Hindu friends and neighbours. These experiences build an appreciation of one another that begins in childhood and can last a lifetime,” he stated.
To this end, the PM commended religious institutions such as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), whose work sustains these traditions. He said this year’s efforts to support Bal Nivas and expand the Dharmic Rama Krishna School through the Sabha’s Diwali fundraising programme put the festival’s spirit of service into practice. “Helping a child grow up in safety, with access to education, is a meaningful investment in our country’s future. As Guyana develops, we must keep that concern for people at the centre of our national life. Families should be able to look ahead with confidence, knowing that their children have opportunities to learn and build fulfilling lives here at home,” PM Phillips noted.
For its part, he said the Government remains committed to advancing this goal, and values the contribution of faith-based organisations to the wellbeing of communities. “To the young people participating in this year’s celebrations, take the opportunity to learn about the beliefs behind the traditions. Ask questions of your elders and carry that understanding forward. The care you give to this inheritance will help preserve it for those who follow. May this Diwali bring renewed faith and peace to your homes. May its light guide us towards greater understanding as we continue our work together as Guyanese,” the PM stated.

Source: Guyana Times