KING CELEBRATES DIWALI

KING Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu’s Osuthu Royal Palace in Nongoma, Zululand, was abound with colour and festive cheer on Saturday when he hosted a grand pre-Diwali celebration. He told guests, some of whom had travelled from Chatsworth, in Durban, that the event was symbolic of the values and ideals he stood for and promoted, which were respect, acceptance and social cohesion. The king described the Diwali event as a “profoundly moving occasion in the history of our country”, adding that it was not a public relations exercise. “It’s not about political correctness, rather it’s about building a strong foundation for future generations.” He said his dream for the province was to see Zulus and Indians move from tolerating each other to accepting each other. “The staging of this beautiful event may prove to be another step towards the end of mistrust between these two communities.” The king appealed to leaders and members of both communities to work with him and the provincial government towards true social cohesion. But there would be no acceptance, he added, without true understanding. He added that the time had come “for us to be united”. “In many of our communities, spiritual matters seem to have taken a back seat and yet they are the backbone of life. “Whether you view spirituality from the perspective of the African religion, Indian Hindu religion, Christian religion, Jewish religion, and Islamic religion, they all have a fundamental base – universally acceptable values that inform our way of life. This includes loving your neighbour, acceptance and helping other people.” The monarch said that each time he looked at the events, situations and what had become of human beings, he often wondered if we have a sense of spirituality. “The spiritual insight that we get from the Bible, teaches us that we are spiritual beings, having a soul but living in this temporary structure called the physical body.” He told guests that Diwali represented the Festival of Lights and that the Bible taught a lot about the subject of light. “In one of the Gospels, the book of Matthew 5: 14-16, Jesus says: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, who is in heaven.” He said that like stars in the firmament, all human beings were called to show off their light and help others to see the way. “Even as you celebrate this important occasion (Diwali), my wish for you my people, is that your light will shine so bright, it must be a light that signifies great things ahead, a light of peace that will spell the new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil as well as light over darkness. “For Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, lighting the lamp – the diya – is a chance to remember, even in the midst of darkness, that light will ultimately prevail. “Knowledge will defeat ignorance, and compassion will triumph over despair. Diwali is also a reminder that we must each do our part to achieve that victory, by dedicating ourselves to service to others. If we affirm our commitments to one another and strive to lift each other up, then together, we will continue moving closer to that brighter future we all seek.” The king added that during Diwali everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. “There is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival brings about unity. It instills charity in the hearts of people. It is a great unifying force. “May you have your eyes opened to be part of fighting inequality, injustice, and poverty that still remains a challenge for our country; and may the eyes of your spiritual understanding be open through this light to see and uplift the down-trodden all around you.” Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka, an adopted son of the monarch, also called for religious and cultural tolerance. “Accept each one as a brother, sister or a child of God. Together we can stand united and let peace prevail on our sacred soil of South Africa.” He described the king as being “a true leader in the fight against poverty among our people”. “His Majesty has been the most consistent voice and campaigner for peace and unity among his people. It is largely due to his ceaseless commitment to peace that relative stability and peace has come to the province of KwaZulu-Natal.” He continued: “I know that nothing troubles His Majesty more than strife among his people; I urge all, more especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, to give His Majesty the gift he will cherish for the rest of his life – the gift of enduring peace. Let us all make a firm commitment today as we are with our Father and our king.” LIL\11022312