Diwali is the right time to include those suffering due to COVID-19, in our happiness, prayers and share whatever we have - Kumar

Minister for Education, Premila Kumar says this year's Diwali will be different for many as there are many homes who will not celebrate and this is the right time we should include them in our happiness, our prayers and share whatever we have.

While speaking during the Diwali celebrations at the Vuniniudrovu Ram Krishna Hanuman Mandir in Sawani, Nausori, Kumar says the real satisfaction is helping the needy.

Kumar says years 2020 and 2021 have not been a good one and we all would like to forget it like a bad dream but we cannot as COVID-19 has caused pain and suffering.

She says we have suffered in terms of our economy, loss of employment and income.

The Minister further says the festival of lights celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

Meanwhile, organising committee member, Janice Chand says this is probably the first gathering the Sawani community is a part of since the easing of restrictions.

She says they know that a lot of families have been going through a difficult time and they have tried to assist them.