Lok Sabha Speaker greets people on Diwali, salutes valour of soldiers

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Saturday conveyed her warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Diwali.

In her message, she said: "I convey my good wishes and heartiest greetings to all my brothers and sisters on the eve of Deepawali."

"The festival of lights, symbolises the triumph of truth and knowledge over evil and ignorance. On this auspicious occasion, let us reaffirm our resolve to fight all those evil forces which threaten the unity of our nation and the safety of our people," she said in her message adding, "on this occasion, let us also salute the valour of our soldiers who guard our borders day and night."

"They (soldiers) are away from their families to save us from the evil designs of those who sponsor terror," she said.

"As such, it is also an emotional Deepawali for us this year. While we celebrate this joyous occasion, we are also reminded of the values of compassion and righteousness that Maryada Purushottam's life and teachings present before us," she added.

The speaker also said, "let this Deepawali be a celebration of Lord Rama's message of mutual respect, brotherhood and affection. I hope that the joy and gaiety of the festival will bring a message of a stable, peaceful and prosperous India."

--IANS

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