00:00With the last few days of the Diwali Nagar mired in controversy, following a break in
00:05TTT's transmission which prevented the airing of the opposition leader's feature address,
00:11President of the National Council for Indian Culture Dhirub Timal took the opportunity
00:16on the final night to remind everyone of the purpose of the Nagar.
00:21To celebrate and preserve Indian cultural heritage, including spirituality, music, dance,
00:27arts and literature.
00:30To provide a platform that educates the public on the significance of Diwali and promotes
00:35understanding and respect for Hindu values and traditions within a multicultural society.
00:42To create a space that welcomes all communities, fostering unity and harmony by showcasing
00:49the shared values of peace, goodwill and the triumph of light over darkness.
00:55Without directly making reference to any specific issue, the Council President then lamented
01:01that the NCIC often finds itself in what he called precarious positions as it seeks to
01:07balance all its interests.
01:09Diwali Nagar transcends political affiliations and remains focused on bringing people together
01:17in observance of the festival's theme of light, wisdom and community.
01:24With due respect to all, the NCIC has a responsibility to the event and a national responsibility
01:33to not allow the event to be used as a political football.
01:38Invitation to government and other officials is always extended in recognition of their
01:43roles in public office rather than personal or political endorsement.
01:50On Sunday, the local chapter of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin sent
01:54a letter to the NCIC President, calling on the Council to withdraw its invitation to
01:59Minister Young, in his then capacity as Acting Prime Minister, following inappropriate remarks
02:06he made in the Parliament about the opposition leader.
02:09However, MP Young, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and other government MPs attended the
02:15closing night of Diwali Nagar.
02:18Renessa Cutting, TV6 News.
Comments