Ambassador’s Speeches
Deepawali
Speech by Ambassador Abhay Thakur
On the Occasion of Deepawali Celebrations in Yangon on 2 November 2024
His Excellency Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Madam Daw Kyu Kya Hla,
President of the Hindu Central Council of Myanmar, Heads of all Hindu and Indian Communities, Associations and Trusts, and Members of the Deepawali Celebration Committee,
Honorable Members of the SAC, Hon’ble Union Ministers, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Yangon, Hon’ble Deputy Ministers, dignitaries and senior officers of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and accompanying spouses,
My colleague Ambassadors and accompanying spouses, and Members of the diplomatic corps and colleagues from the Embassy of India,
Distinguished guests, Friends of India, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honour for me to address this distinguished gathering today, to celebrate Diwali or Deepawali, a festival that holds immense significance in the hearts of millions across India and Myanmar, and among all those who cherish and share its universal values. Deepawali marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Its spirit is best encapsulated in the ancient Sanskrit Shlok from the बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद् (Brihadaranyak Upanishad), with which we often begin our prayers - “असतो मा सद्गमय । तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय । मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।” - which means “O God, lead me from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light and from death to immortality”. On Deepawali we choose hope over despair - a sentiment that resonates deeply within us all living beings.
- A fortnight ago the people of Myanmar celebrated Thadingyut, which marks Lord Buddha’s descent from heaven on the full moon day. Diwali, celebrated two weeks later by the people of India, marks Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya on the new moon day. Both are festivals of light, both are a reflection of each other, and equally of the close ties of kinship that bind us together. The lives of Lord Ram and Lord Buddha also embody our shared principles that guide our actions and decisions. Both Lord Ram and Lord Buddha epitomize virtue and righteousness. Lord Ram’s life journey was one of righteous moral conduct or Dharma. Lord Buddha followed and propounded the moral philosophy of Dhamma. Both serve as an inspiration to all of humanity today.
- These shared values not only highlight the similarities in our traditions but also emphasize the importance of cultural links between our two nations. The histories of India and Myanmar are interwoven through centuries of spiritual ties, bonds of kinship, trade, migration, and cultural exchange. As we celebrate our festivals, we also celebrate our relationship built on mutual trust, understanding, and shared goals and aspirations. In this context, I would like to especially thank His Excellency Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for his true friendship and immense goodwill towards India and the Hindu people, which is a beacon of hope and an example of building trust and fostering collaboration, for our entire region. Let me assure His Excellency that the leadership in India fully reciprocates your sentiments and stands as a steadfast partner of the people of Myanmar.
- Your Excellency has given a new impetus to our bilateral cooperation, particularly in development cooperation, fuel and energy sector, bilateral trade through the Rupee-Kyat trade mechanism, and further strengthening our long standing defence and security ties. Your commitment to strengthening ties between India, your partner in the Indian Ocean Region, and Myanmar, located at the confluence of South Asia and Southeast Asia, reflects your wisdom and foresight. Excellency, your personal qualities of goodwill, friendship and humility as well as your extraordinary commitment, determination and resolve, will surely continue to guide the peoples of our two countries and beyond, in the years ahead.
- In the realm of domestic governance, Myanmar’s steps towards encouraging food security, sustainable and reliable energy future, youth education, and support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), under Your Excellency’s leadership, are innovative schemes, empowering local entrepreneurs, invigorating communities, and nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
- In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our commitment to further strengthen the unique and special bond between India and Myanmar, shaped by our shared history, geography, and cultural affinity. It is a bond that transcends diplomacy, rooted in the hearts of our peoples. It is a bond that dates back centuries, with influences evident in our languages, religions, and traditions, and a bond that will endure for centuries to come. As we move forward, let us continue to engage in dialogues and exchanges so that we can together address contemporary challenges, explore opportunities, and work towards a future that is bright for both our nations and our shared region. As we celebrate Deepawali today, let the light of our lamps serve as a reminder of the hope and optimism we hold for the future, to work hand in hand to pursue common goals that benefit all.
- Once again, my wife Surabhi and I extend our heartfelt Deepawali wishes to His Excellency the Prime Minister and Madam Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, and to each and every one of you for a joyous and prosperous year ahead. Thank you.
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