Diwali perfect example of culture: Clegg

Britain's Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has celebrated Diwali with the Indian community here, saying the festival of lights is a "perfect" example of culture.
"Without culture, I don't believe we have any identity and this special occasion of Diwali is a perfect example of culture, though some weeks later than the date," the leader of the Liberal Democrat party said at the annual Diwali banquet hosted by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK last night.
"I am a huge fan of the Bhavan, its venerable history and commitment to secularism. I have read many novels on Indian life and I am convinced the work of the Bhavan is so very important in bringing that to life in the UK," he said.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK is the largest Indian cultural institute outside India, with Prince Charles as its honorary life-member.
"The spirit of Diwali lives on in London as Bhavan continues to act as bridge of mutual friendship between Indian and the UK. People-to-people contact remains an important pillar in the partnership between the two countries and that is where I hope the Bhavan will continue to help this happy trend grow," said Virander Paul, Acting High Commissioner of India to the UK.
The event, which was attended by prominent guests such as Indian-origin MPs Keith Vaz and Virendra Sharma as well as Lord Swraj Paul and Lady Aruna Paul, included Bharatanatyam and Kathak performances by students of the Bhavan.

"The Bhavan in London has a key role in propagating the art and culture of the Indian Subcontinent. It fosters the talent of young musicians and dancers as well as hosting performances and exhibitions," said British Indian hotelier Joginder Sanger, chairman of the Bhavan.