Paramaribo, 08 November – The National Party Suriname (NPS), led by party chair Gregory Rusland, has issued a heartfelt public message extending festive Divali greetings to every member of the Surinamese community, with special warm wishes directed to the nation’s Hindu population. Widely known as the Festival of Lights, Divali carries deep symbolic meaning across global South Asian diaspora communities, representing the timeless triumph of light over darkness, wisdom over ignorance, goodness over malice, and compassion over hatred.
Beyond its traditional observance as a family-focused celebration, the NPS emphasized that Divali’s core values resonate with all Surinamese citizens, regardless of religious or cultural background. The holiday serves as a collective reminder to center mutual respect, tolerance, and cross-cultural understanding in daily interactions across the multi-ethnic nation.
Noting that Suriname is navigating a period of sweeping societal shifts, the party stressed that the guiding “light” of Divali is more critical now than ever. This collective light, the statement outlined, should illuminate not just homes and neighborhoods, but the path for the entire nation toward equitable justice, transparent accountable governance, expanded employment and livelihood opportunities for young people, robust support for elderly populations, and an inclusive future where no community or individual is left behind.
The NPS further highlighted that Suriname’s rich tapestry of diverse cultural and religious identities is a source of national strength rather than division. “Even with all our differences, we remain one unified people,” the statement affirmed, framing the country’s varied heritages as a collective asset that enriches national life. The party closed its message by wishing all Surinamese a reflective, blessed Divali, full of warmth, prosperity, good health, and peace for every household, ending with the traditional festive salutation: Subh Divali!