SM Teo Chee Hean at the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA) Deepavali Light Up Ceremony 2024

Good evening everyone,
My Parliamentary Colleagues Minister of State Alvin Tan and Mayor Denise Phua,
Excellencies,
Chairman of the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA) Mr Siva,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening, and Vanakkam.

I am glad to be here with all of you for Little India’s Deepavali Light Up ceremony.

Deepavali is the festival of lights, and it celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. While Deepavali holds a religious significance for those of the Hindu faith, its central message of light overcoming darkness is a universal one that all of us in the wider community, and indeed in the whole world, can embrace.

Unfortunately, when we look around the world today, it can feel as if there is increasingly more darkness than light. From terrible and tragic wars in Europe and the Middle East, to the so-called “culture wars” afflicting many societies and dividing them, the world is beset with strife and conflict. It looks as though people everywhere are finding more and more reasons to disagree, to quarrel, and to confront one another – within societies, between communities, and between countries.

Here in Singapore, the situation is quite different – our light continues to shine brightly. We have worked hard together, over many decades, to build and maintain a harmonious and cohesive society as the words of our pledge, “Regardless of race, language, or religion”. It is not that we do not have differences of views, but we accept that as part of life, especially in our multi-racial, multi-religious society. We learn to respect, to accommodate, and adapt, rather than insisting on doing things only in our own separate ways and accentuating differences between us. We learn to seek out the common humanity that unites all of us – those areas that should bring us together.

Participating in one another’s festivals is one of the many ways we strengthen this sense of unity and common humanity. In our schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods all across Singapore, those of Hindu faith welcome others to join in their celebrations, just as those of the Hindu faith take part in the celebrations of other communities and faiths. I hope that Singaporeans will take up this invitation. By doing so, we build bridges of understanding and respect that transcend the boundaries of race, religion, and culture.

I am glad to see that preparations for Deepavali here in Little India are already in full swing even though we are about a month and a half away from the actual day and the actual celebration. I am told that the Deepavali Festival Village in Campbell Lane offers everything you could need for your celebrations. With two bazaars and many engaging events, there is much for all Singaporeans and visitors to experience and enjoy in Little India throughout this festive period.

LISHA is also helping to spread the joy of Deepavali beyond Little India. The Association is collaborating with LTA on Deepavali-themed trains and buses, and partnering SINDA to raise funds for the needy. And together with the Hindu Endowment Board and its supporting temples, they are using this occasion to raise funds for the President’s Challenge, as they have done for several years now. Thank you very much as these efforts have helped to make Deepavali not only a time of celebration, but also a time of giving to the wider community.

My heartfelt thanks to LISHA, members of the organising committees, and all those who have worked tirelessly to put this year’s festivities together. It is a joy to mark this joyous occasion with you, and I thank you for helping to ensure that our light continues to shine brightly here in Singapore, and that we remain one united people.

With that, let me wish everyone a Happy Deepavali. Thank you very much.