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Offering greetings on the occasion of Diwali, World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit emphasized the bonds of common humanity and focused on the well-being of all.
“Diwali, as the festival of lights, offers a strong sign of hope. It brings with it the message of peace - understood as freedom from fear and threat; and prosperity - understood as the flourishing of creation”, Tveit reflected.
Pointing out how festivals like Diwali have the potential to foster healing and hope in a world of increasing divisions and deprivations, Tveit drew upon the Upanishadic concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam– “the world is one family”.
Prof Anantanand Rambachan, professor of Religion at St Olaf College, Minnesota, also offered his reflections. “The lights of Diwali are the inextinguishable flames of faith and hope in the ultimate triumph of goodness over evil and the assurance that, in this perpetual struggle, we choose to side with God”, he wrote.
Tveit also reflected on his recent visit to New Delhi, affirming that his visit to India “reiterated that the embrace of difference and affirmation of harmony are crucial to building up just and inclusive communities where all are cherished and affirmed irrespective of their religion, caste or gender.”
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