World
Global Leaders Send Diwali Wishes of Unity and Hope
By Livemint
On Sunday, world leaders including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, French President Emmanuel Macron, and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney posted Diwali greetings to those celebrating the festival of lights. Albanese described Diwali as “the great celebration of the victory of light,” noting how it brings communities together across religious and cultural boundaries and has become part of modern Australia’s identity. He said the festival’s symbols convey a message that transcends religion or culture.
Macron wished people unity, peace and hope, while Carney highlighted Diwali’s symbolism of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. In addition, leaders from Sri Lanka, the UAE, Pakistan, Israel, Malaysia and the Seychelles sent messages. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake spoke of the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, urging kindness, coexistence and justice. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed extended wishes for health and prosperity. Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Hindu community, noting Diwali’s victory over hatred, intolerance and despair. Israeli President Isaac Herzog posted greetings on X to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all celebrants, wishing peace, happiness and prosperity.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the festival’s role in bridging cultural divides, calling for mutual respect and understanding in a plural society. Seychelles President Patrick Herminie praised the local Indian community as an integral part of the nation’s fabric and wished peace, prosperity and happiness.
In Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the 27‑day Amazing Thailand Grand Diwali Festival in Bangkok, organized with the Indian Embassy and local diaspora groups. In the United States, former President Donald Trump lit a traditional diya in the Oval Office on Friday, surrounded by Indian‑American officials, entrepreneurs and diplomats.
The messages from these leaders underscored Diwali’s themes of light, unity, compassion and hope, celebrating the festival’s global reach and its significance beyond religious boundaries.
Frequently asked questions
Which world leaders posted Diwali greetings?
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, French President Emmanuel Macron, former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
What themes did leaders emphasize in their Diwali messages?
Leaders highlighted light over darkness, unity, peace, hope, compassion, knowledge over ignorance, and the triumph of light over hatred, intolerance, and despair, while also stressing mutual respect and cultural bridges.