MANJINDER “James” Kumar, the president of the Filipino Indian Commerce & Welfare Society Inc., took to the stage at the Diwali Mela 2023 in the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center on November 4, 2023.
In his speech, he highlighted the significance of Diwali, one of the world’s biggest and most important holidays in India, celebrated by more than one billion people around the world.
Kumar explained that Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of good over evil and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and others in the Philippines and around the globe. He emphasized the festival’s message of hope and the importance of spreading light, both literally and figuratively, to fight against darkness and evil.
“Our goal is to strengthen the dynamism of our vibrant Filipino Indian community in the Philippines by promoting and celebrating such important festivities,” Kumar said, as he encouraged everyone to embrace the spirit of Diwali and spread joy, peace, and positivity throughout their communities.
Shambhu Kumaran, the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, has been working to bring the Indian community in the Philippines together to celebrate Diwali as a community event. He believes that the festival of light represents the victory of hope and light over darkness, and is a time for people to come together and share their joy with others.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Kumaran and his team at the embassy have continued to promote the value of friendship through the festival. This festival is a symbol of the importance of giving back to the community, and Kumaran has personally lit a lamp with a young Filipino child to show that the festival is about bringing people together, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As the Indian community in the Philippines celebrates Diwali this year, Kumaran hopes that the festival will be a time for people to come together and look forward with hope to a better future.