Delegates Dining Room, United Nations
December 6, 2024
Dear Colleagues, Guests, and Friends.
It’s a pleasure to be the Moderator of this Event, and I want to thank Ranju and Ravi
Batra for the confidence and trust you have placed in me to play this role.
We start our program with a traditional Diya lighting ceremony.
I will be announcing speakers today and asking them to make statements of 3‑4
minutes. Then, we will have three different performances by very talented dancers.
After that, Ranju Batra and Ravi Batra will give their remarks and Ravi will
moderate the awards ceremony. After concluding the Award Ceremony, we will have
a family photo at 5:30PM.
Dear colleagues, today, we gather to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, a
vibrant celebration that holds profound significance for millions of people around
the world. As the Permanent Representative of Georgia, I am honored to recognize
the beauty of this celebration and highlight the values it embodies — hope, unity,
peace, and resilience. These are the exact ideals of the UN Charter.
Diwali has rich traditions that signify the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge
over ignorance, and good over evil. It is a time when families come together to light
oil lamps, exchange sweets, and offer prayers for peace and prosperity.
This festival reminds us of our shared humanity and the common aspirations that
bind us, the United Nations.
In Georgia, we understand the importance of traditional values, our cultural heritage,
and the role they play in uniting people. We may not celebrate Diwali as part of our
national traditions, but our values align with those of our friends from the Indian
community and all who celebrate this bright festival.
I want to pay a very special tribute to Ranju Batra, who fought for an idea to have
the DIWALI SPIRIT locked in and amplified through USPS issuing the Stamp. This
represents the kind of spirit and resilience and commitment and perseverance to
actually getting things done in the face of a great many bureaucratic and political
hurdles.
As we face global challenges, from military conflicts to climate change, the theme
of Diwali becomes even more critical. Just as the light from Diwali lamps dispels
darkness, United Nations’ collective efforts can illuminate pathways toward peace,
stability and sustainability.
In closing, I wish you all a joyous Diwali filled with light and love.
Thank you.
3:55 ‑ Dance: Shriya Dastidar, 10 years old, from Vedic American Foundation
4:00 ‑ H.E. Harold Adlai Agyeman, P.R. of Ghana to the UN
4:05 ‑ H.E. Dennis Francis, PGA 78 and P.R. of Trinidad & Tobago to the UN
4:10 ‑ H.E. Parvathaneni Harish, P.R. of India to the UN
4: 15 ‑ DPR Ms. Hanaa Bouchikhi, on behalf of H.E.Omar Hilale, P.R. of
Morocco to the UN
4:20 ‑ H.E. Paula Narvaez Ojeda, P.R.of Chile to the UN
4:25 ‑ Dance: Angela Shah, 8 years old, from Mithila Center USA.
4:30 ‑ H.E. Aida Aida Kasymalieva, P.R. of Kyrgyzstan to the UN
4:35 ‑ H.E. Sophia Tesfamariam, P.R. of Eritrea
4:40 ‑ Ms. Keina Tito, wife of H. E. Teburoro Tito, P.R. of Kiribati to the UN
4:45 ‑ H.E. Kairat Umarov, P.R. of Kazakhstan to the UN
4:50 ‑ Ms. Ranju Batra, Chair, Diwali Foundation USA, Inc
4:55 ‑ Dance: Hitanshi Patel, Harsha Harikumar and Fiona Smith from
Surati for Performing Art.
Now I give the floor to Ravi Batra for the Award Ceremony.
