London: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the Diwali spirit of the victory of “light over darkness” as he delivered an optimistic message about overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic for a first-of-its-kind virtual festival of lights in the country, news agency PTI reported.
Johnson appealed for a huge collective effort as England entered its second stay-at-home lockdown earlier this week, to last at least until December 2, in order to curb a surge in coronavirus infections across the country.
“While undoubtedly there are huge challenges ahead, I have every confidence in the resilience and resolve and good sense of people across the country and that together we will overcome this virus, just as Diwali teaches us that light triumphs over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance,” Johnson said from 10 Downing Street on Friday.
“Just as Lord Rama and his wife Sita found their way home after the defeat of the demon king Ravana, their way lit by many millions of lamps, so too we shall find our way through this, and we shall do so triumphantly,” he added.
Acknowledging that people would find it particularly difficult this year with all the lockdown restrictions, Johnson praised the Indian community in the UK for all their sacrifices and efforts at working towards a safe and secure Diwali.
