President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing has emphasized that mutual understanding, respect and peaceful coexistence among different ethnicities, religions and cultural traditions are essential foundations for national unity, peace and stability, calling on people of all faiths to practise the benevolent teachings of their respective religions and promote love, goodwill, compassion and harmony in society.
The President made the remarks while addressing a joint Deepavali celebration organized by Hindu communities in Myanmar at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township, Yangon, yesterday evening. In his address, the President extended his best wishes for physical and mental well-being to Hindu citizens in Myanmar and people around the world celebrating Deepavali.
He described Deepavali as a highly revered religious festival for Hindus and a celebration symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, goodness over evil and knowledge over ignorance. He explained that the word “Deepavali” combines the Pali words “Dipa”, meaning lamp, and “Avali”, meaning row, referring to rows of brilliantly arranged lamps, hence its other name, the Festival of Lights.
The President noted that Deepavali shares similarities with Myanmar’s Buddhist lighting festivals of Thadingyut and Tazaungdine. While Buddhists celebrate Thadingyut by paying respect to elders and lighting lamps, Hindus mark Deepavali by sharing sweets and expressing affection for one another. Although the religious significance and traditions of the festivals differ, they share common social values, including loving-kindness, goodwill and peaceful coexistence.
He highlighted that Myanmar is home to various national races, religions and cultural traditions, stressing that mutual understanding, respect and friendly coexistence among diverse communities are essential foundations for national unity and long-term peace and stability.
Referring to the 2008 Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the President highlighted provisions recognizing and protecting religious freedom. He cited Section 362 of Chapter VIII, which recognizes Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Animism as religions existing in the Union, and Section 363, which provides that the Union may assist recognized religions to the utmost of its capacity.
He also referred to Sections 34 and 354, which contain provisions concerning religious freedom and the right to freely profess and practise one’s religion, faith and traditions. He stressed that people should be able to observe their religious festivals meaningfully in accordance with their beliefs, adding that mutual respect for the religious traditions and festivals of different faiths is essential for fostering trust and goodwill in society.
The President urged people to put the benevolent teachings of their respective religions into practice in their daily lives and reflect on the essence of Deepavali. He noted that just as a single lamp illuminates its surroundings, cultivating love, goodwill, compassion and truth in one’s heart can serve as a guiding light for one’s family, community and nation.
Concluding his address, the President expressed his hope that the light of Deepavali would inspire good thoughts, loving-kindness and peace, strengthen friendship and mutual understanding among people of all faiths, and encourage citizens to work together to build a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious society and contribute to the progress and prosperity of Myanmar and its people.
After the ceremony, the President and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla cordially greeted members of the Hindu communities and cultural troupes before joining the attendees for a celebratory dinner held in honour of the Deepavali festival, according to reports. — MNA/TH
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