I want to extend my warmest wishes for Diwali to all who

celebrate this auspicious holiday,

here in America and around the world.

Diwali is the festival of lights;

a time when members of some of the worlds great faiths

celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Its significance is laid out in the Sanskrit verse:

Lead us from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light,

from death to immortality.

In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of the Lord Rama from

exile when small lamps lit his way home.

The lighting of these lamps continues today;

marking the celebration as a time of reflection on a year

gone by and a time to pray for a good year to come.

In Jainism the occasion celebrates the attainment of

nirvana by Lord Mahavira, one of the long line of spiritual

leaders known for achieving enlightenment by freeing

themselves of base human impulses and emotions.

In Sikhism, Diwali is a celebration of freedom for

Guru Har Gobind; the religion's sixth Guru.

Well this is a time of celebration it is also

a time of contemplation.

When we remember those who are less fortunate;

those who may not be eating as heartedly or celebrating as

festively, those who don't enjoy the same rights to speak and

worship freely and make of their lives what they wish.

Our hearts are with them not just today, but every day.

And at this sacred time of year, let us join together across

denominations, religion and cultures to make a habit of

empathy and to reach out to those most in need.

To share the blessings we enjoy and advance the cause of peace

in all corners of our world.

As families and communities gather to rejoice and to reflect

over great food and delicious Methi,

please know that you are in our thoughts and that Michelle and I

wish you a happy Diwali and Salamu balac.