US Senate passes resolution on Diwali

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Recognising the religious and historical significance of Diwali, the US Senate has passed a resolution greeting Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in the US and across the globe on the festival.

Noting that Diwali is a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, the Senate in its resolution lauded the universal message of compassion it offers to the world.

The Senate recognises the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali that is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains throughout India, in the United States, and the world, it said.

The Senate expressed its deepest respect for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, and the diaspora throughout the world on this significant occasion.

The resolution introduced in the Senate by Senators Robert Menendez, John Cornyn and Mark Warner, said Diwali is a festival of lights, during which celebrants light oil lamps, and pray for health, knowledge, peace, wealth, and prosperity.

The lights symbolise the light of knowledge within the individual that overwhelms the darkness of ignorance, empowering each celebrant to do good deeds and show compassion to others, it said.

Senator John McCain too offered his greetings in a statement and said that the occasion provides an inspiration to recognise the common humanity and reach for values that transcend borders, nationalities, and cultures - 'the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness'.