Speech
Diwali in Wellington
I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign)
I then specifically greet you: Hon Christopher Finlayson, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage; Your Worship Celia Wade-Brown, Mayor of Wellington; Your Excellency Admiral Suresh Mehta, High Commissioner for India to New Zealand; Dr Rajen Prasad, Member of Parliament representing the Leader of the Opposition; Dr Richard Grant, Executive Director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. And in the context of this gathering may I add the greetings: Namaste, Namashkar, Sat Sri Akal, Kam Cho.
It has been a delight for my wife Susan and I to accept the invitation to attend the opening of this year’s Diwali celebrations in Wellington, an event now part of the civic landscape of this city.
I have been asked to officially open these celebrations by lighting a lamp, and just before doing so later in the proceedings, I would like to say a little about the significance of Diwali for us in New Zealand.
The importance of Diwali rests on a number of layers. It is first and foremost one of the most important and ancient of Indian festivals. It has specific spiritual meanings in Hinduism and other religions as a celebration of the victory of good over evil and the release from spiritual darkness.
It is, secondly, a particularly special time for Indian families to mark a year that has passed and anticipation of a new year with the hope of prosperity, health and joy.
Thirdly, symbolised by the lighting of small oil lamps, the Festival of Lights has grown to exhibit a much wider significance.
For people of Indian origin, that is members of the Indian Diaspora, in New Zealand and elsewhere, it symbolises the best traditions of Indian culture and history and a connection to the land of their ancestors.
That heritage can be seen here today in the various dances of the Indian sub-continent being performed and the variety of Indian crafts, art and food on display. Indian heritage was also on display at the opening and closing ceremonies of the recent Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Susan and I had the honour of representing the government by attendance in support of the New Zealand team fro the first days of the games.
The linkage between India and New Zealand was attested to by the New Zealand team wearing over their black blazers as they paraded an angavetram or scarf with a quotation of Sir Edmund Hillary at one end saying “It’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves!” and a quotation of Tensing Norgay, the co-conqueror of Everest at the other saying “Be great, make others great!” This was a linkage very warmly remarked upon in media coverage of the opening.
Diwali is also an opportunity to recognise the contribution of New Zealanders of Indian origin. As to this participation by New Zealanders of Indian descent in sport and cultural endeavours and in business, politics, education and the central and local government have given much to this country.
An example in the last week in this city is the Wellington Indian Sports Club marking its 75th Jubilee of existence and exhibiting a strong future with several hundred players, particularly young ones, in a number of sports.
Diwali also points to our nation’s growing cultural, religious and ethnic diversity. Inherent within that diversity are both challenges and opportunities.
As we address those issues it is paramount that we also recognise the universal values of justice, tolerance and respect for others.
Finally, like Easter and Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Eid-ul-fitr, as a festival that speaks of bringing light to darkness, Diwali also sends a powerful message of peace.
It urges people of all faiths, denominations and cultures to reach out across the divisions that separate us, one from another, to seek greater understanding. This kind of thing was well expressed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said in his Diwali message in 2008 when he said:
“My hope … is that in this spirit of looking to the light, we shall be able to find reconciliation where there has been division and hurt; to work for peace and the rejection of all resort to violence; and that together we may appreciate and enjoy each other’s festivals as a common sign to the world of our commitment to mutual goodwill and faith in each other.”
And on a note of what I hope is a note of similar goodwill, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.