THE light of peace, tolerance, understanding, and even negotiated compromise, should shine forth as the collective glare from thousands of Diwali diyas light up the darkness and shine like a lighthouse of hope for all.

The concept of Diwali could be transposed to symbolise various circumstances whereby truth, love, goodness and joy are celebrated. Even as the festival assumes various emphases -– and legends in various forms -– the constant theme is illumination.

Against those sentiments, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) — whose membership includes thousands of Hindus -– joins the dazzling celebrations to wish Guyanese Hindus, and indeed the wider community, a joyous but peaceful Diwali.

Guyana needs all the understanding and celebration of life and goodness that it could get at this time. Our robust political life and divergent opinions sometimes intrude upon our typically good-natured routine co-existence as a people who share the yearning for common peace and progress. Differences of opinion should never lead to hostility or lingering division.

Diwali’s lights must be rays of tolerance and a reminder that humanity in these times needs tolerance. GAWU, therefore, hopes that even the current differences surrounding the actual dates for this year’s highpoint of the festival would not detract from full participation of the festivity, nor serve to obscure its enduring significance. We wish all the practitioners of the Hindu faith, and indeed all Guyanese, a happy and enjoyable Diwali, the festival of lights. Come November 11, 2015, we look forward to all Hindus taking part in the observances. Let the lights at this time represent hope, tolerance and harmony.