BY RITU SHARMA
NEW DELHI: Hindus in India have welcomed and appreciated the Vatican’s message on Diwali, the festival of lights.
“It is a message that touches the heart,” said social activist Swamy Agnivesh, adding that the world will be more lit up after this message of harmony, peace and brotherhood.
The Vatican had asked to spread the message among Hindu leaders across India through a letter sent on Nov. 2 titled, Christians and Hindus: Toward Enhancing Mutual Respect, Trust and Cooperation to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI).
The letter bears the signature of Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, secretary of the pontifical council.
It states that “mutual respect is one of the fundamentals for peaceful co-existence as well as progress in society” and that “trust nourishes every genuine human relationship.”
Agnivesh said the message will help bind together the two communities in pursuit of peace and justice.
K. P. Shastri, secretary of Delhi Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, a reformist Hindu group, said the Vatican is a sacred place for Christians and a message from there is an “honor for us.”
He adds that this message shows that Christians’ love and respect toward the Hindus is increasing. “It will help in bridging the two communities,” he added.
CBCI Spokesperson Father Babu Joseph said the message is a gesture of goodwill toward the Hindu community.
“It will enhance mutual respect and understanding as it is well appreciated by the Hindus,” he said.
Diwali is the most important five-day festival in India where families perform traditional activities in their homes and worship Laxmi, the goddess of wealth.
Some Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali, seeking prosperity in the coming year.