Bringing together diplomats from across the globe, Diwali with Diplomats at the Sri Lankan High Commission on Wednesday celebrated cultural ties and the spirit of togetherness. Co-hosted by the NGO Delhi Study Group, the event saw diplomats, businessmen and members of the city’s social circle in attendance.
(L-R) Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Vijay Mehta, Honorary Consul of Romania, Pinky Anand, Vijay Jolly
‘We are celebrating a festival that is very much our own in Sri Lanka’Mahishini Colonne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner, who wore a pink sari and greeted guests with a warm “Shubh Deepavali”, said, “It’s wonderful to see our garden come alive this evening with friends, music and the festive spirit of Diwali. These occasions may be informal, but they serve a very important purpose. They build friendships and understanding beyond the formal spaces and conference rooms where we usually meet. For Sri Lanka, Deepavali, as we call it, is a national public holiday, celebrated with great devotion by our Hindu communities, particularly the Tamil community. Homes are illuminated with lamps, families come together and the festival is marked with joy. So, when we light the diyas here today in New Delhi, we are not merely guests in India celebrating Diwali. We are celebrating a festival that is very much our own in Sri Lanka as well.”
(Clockwise) Alberto Antonio Guani, Uruguayan ambassador, Saidu Dahiru Muhammad, Nigerian High Commissioner, Jayant Advani, Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, Palestinian ambassador
She added, “Deepavali reminds us of the symbolism of light. When one lamp lights another, it loses nothing. Its flame does not diminish. Instead, the light around it grows. I can think of no better metaphor for friendship between nations or indeed for the work that all of us as diplomats do. We represent different countries, cultures, and traditions. We may have different perspectives and national priorities, but we are enriched rather than diminished by the light and experience that each of us brings, and light is something that connects so many of our traditions.“
(L-R) VC Burman, Victor Hugo Echeverri Jaramillo, Colombian ambassador, Mohamed Maliki, Moroccan ambassador
‘Promoting close cultural relationships with all countries here’Guests lit phuljhadis together before enjoying cultural performances and a hearty meal. Vijay Jolly, president of Delhi Study Group, said, “This is a small gesture towards promoting Diwali. We are also promoting closer cultural ties not just with Sri Lanka but with all the countries represented here.” Diplomats from over 60 countries attended the event.
Mahishini Colonne and Vijay Jolly
