Speech by the Ambassador at Diwali Celebration 
Almaty – 02 November 2025

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Members of the Indian Community, Dear Friends from Kazakhstan, Ladies and Gentlemen, Al Salam Malik Kum, Namaskar, Vanakkam and Good evening and a very warm welcome to all of you. It gives me great pleasure to join you tonight as we celebrate Diwali — the Festival of Lights, a festival that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

Diwali is not just a festival for India — it is a celebration of universal human values that transcend borders and faiths. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. It reminds us that in the darkest of times, a single ray of hope and virtue can dispel despair and illuminate our path forward. Even as the smallest lamp can dispel the deepest darkness. We all believes that compassion, courage, and truth will always prevail.

For the Indian community living in Kazakhstan, today’s celebration carries special meaning. It is a time to reconnect with our traditions, to share our culture with our Kazakh friends, and to strengthen the bonds that tie our two nations together. I am deeply heartened to see so many members of both the Indian and Kazakh communities gathered here, sharing in the joy and warmth of this beautiful festival.

India and Kazakhstan share a long history of friendship, mutual respect, and cultural affinity. Our peoples have been connected for centuries through the Silk Road — through trade, ideas, and spiritual exchange. In today’s world, those connections have only deepened — through education, business, culture, and people-to-people contacts.

As we light our diyas tonight, let them also symbolize our shared hope for a brighter, more peaceful, and prosperous future — for both India and Kazakhstan, and for our friendship that continues to grow stronger year after year.

I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Indian community in Almaty for your active contribution to the city’s multicultural fabric and for being true ambassadors of India’s spirit wherever you go. I also extend warm greetings to our Kazakh friends who join us in celebration — your presence adds light to this festival of lights. Let us all celebrate with joy, harmony, and gratitude. May this Diwali bring health, happiness, and success to all of you and your families. May the lamps we light tonight illuminate our path towards greater friendship between India and Kazakhstan.

Shubh Deepavali! Happy Diwali to everyone! Rahmet! Thank you!