Diwali message to Tottenham's Hindu and Sikh communities 01/11/05

Tottenham Conservative Party Chairman, Justin Hinchcliffe, has sent his best wishes to all members of the Hindu and Sikh communities as they celebrate Diwali - the traditional festival of lights.

He said the festivities provide an opportunity for Haringey to enjoy Hindu and Sikh heritage and traditions. "The festival is regarded as a celebration of the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance."

The Party Chairman continued, "I believe that the spirit of knowledge triumphing over ignorance is symbolised by the way Britain is proud to respect, appreciate and celebrate the diverse cultures of all its communities. This was one of the reasons why at last month's Party Conference we announced the creation of the Conservative Party's Ethnic Diversity Council - a body charged by the Party Leader to engage more closely than ever before the Conservative Party and the ethnic communities in this country."

He added, "it is also perhaps appropriate, that we use this festival to commit ourselves to continue to support and help those individuals and families so tragically affected by the earthquakes last month and the terrorist outrages in Delhi this weekend. We continue the Conservative Party's support for the aid needed in the coming months to the regions so badly devastated, so that we can offer the hope of some light to come for the people caught up in the darkness of this natural disaster. At the same time we must offer all the help that is needed in tracking down the terrorists involved in the Delhi outrages. We in this country know only too well the indiscriminate suffering caused by such evil acts."

Mr Hinchcliffe went on to state that "above all, Diwali is a chance to re-affirm friendship and goodwill even in the midst of such terrible events. I would like to share in this spirit of goodwill and wish you all a very prosperous new year."

ENDS.