London, Nov 29 – Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the festival of lights was a great example of culture as he celebrated Diwali with the Indian community here, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
“Without culture, I don’t believe we have any identity and this special occasion of Diwali is a perfect example of culture, though some weeks later than the date,” the leader of the Liberal Democrat party said at the annual Diwali banquet hosted by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK on Wednesday night.
“I am a huge fan of the Bhavan, its venerable history and commitment to secularism. I have read many novels on Indian life and I am convinced the work of the Bhavan is so very important in bringing that to life in the UK,” Clegg said.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK is the largest Indian cultural institute outside India, with Prince Charles as its honorary life member.
“The spirit of Diwali lives on in London as Bhavan continues to act as bridge of mutual friendship between India and the UK,” said Virander Paul, India’s Acting High Commissioner to the UK.
“People-to-people contact remains an important pillar in the partnership between the two countries and that is where I hope the Bhavan will continue to help this happy trend grow,” he said.
The event, attended by prominent guests such as Indian-origin MPs Keith Vaz and Virendra Sharma as well as Lord Swraj Paul and Lady Aruna Paul, included Bharatanatyam and Kathak performances by students of the Bhavan.
– Bernama
