"This festival is celebrated across the world not only by Hindus but also by Sikhs and Jains. n our country, while there is one public holiday, celebrations now span more than a week, with symbolic meaning for activities during that period.
"There is the ritual of “cleaning house” whether that house is a physical structure which we clean and decorate or our own selves as we fast, pray, reflect and resolve to rededicate our lives to all that is positive and to do so with due concern for those less fortunate than ourselves.
"Time is given to the pouring of libations, to prayer and the reinforcement of relationships, as we celebrate our brothers and sisters and petition for their continued protection.
"The lighting of the deyas provides a fitting high point as it always serves to remind us of the transforming power of lights, even the smallest dispelling darkness.
"How much more are our combined lights of truth, integrity, respect, diligence, caring, balance, fair play, devotion to duty, to name a few virtues, able to overcome the several ills that we face, when some among us do not manifest our better selves or when we ourselves fail!
"Whether we are celebrating the triumphant return of Lord Rama with his wife Sita to Ayodhya, or Lord Krishna’s successful release of the imprisoned princesses, the victory over King Bolai, or the marriage of Lord Vishnu to Goddess Lakshmi, the constant thread throughout this festival is sacrifice of self for others.
"We celebrate enlightenment and this should be an inspiration to us all, lighting the lamp of knowledge within us. Even the sweets associated with this festival remind us of the child within a thought that we would do well to draw on, from time to time.
"The universal values that attach to this celebration are significant for all of us, regardless of religious persuasion and even in the absence of it. There are human considerations of which we are reminded during this season and which we should heed, if we are to lift ourselves constantly and keep above the baser instincts of human behaviour.
"There are issues that threaten to deflect us from the higher purpose of our existence, but we should keep focus on such guiding principles as respect for the dignity of every human being, gratitude for the opportunities that we have been given as we journey in this life, including the opportunity to lift others as we climb.
"We should use this festival of Divali as a reminder to keep on course as we build a better Trinidad and Tobago, contributing thereby to a better world.
"Happy Divali to all of Trinidad and Tobago! May God bless our nation!
George Maxwell Richards, President of the republic of Trinidad and Tobago
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