Dublin, Ireland, October 18, 2022
In conjunction with Dublin City Council, the Ireland India Council organized a spectacular Diwali celebration in City Hall. The celebration brought together Irish-Indian communities to mark the festival and highlight the cultural and historical links between Ireland and India.
The guest of honor at the celebration was Minister of State in the Department of Finance, Mr. Sean Fleming, and Councillor Donna Cooney deputized to the Lord Mayor of Dublin. The event was attended by senior officials, public representatives, IIC members, and prominent representatives from business, education, media, and other fields.
On this occasion, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr. Caroline Conroy sends her Diwali Message through Cllr. Donna Cooney. “I send my best wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali here in Ireland and worldwide. I am delighted to be part of this year’s celebration in Ireland of the Diwali Festival of Lights hosted by the Ireland-India Council in conjunction with Dublin City Council. Diwali is one of the most popular festivals of the Indian subcontinent; similar to Xmas, that symbolizes the ‘victory of light over darkness-good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The cultural and economic links between Ireland and India continue, and the Council’s work has played an essential role in strengthening our ties. I hope the event is hugely successful.”
Speaking at the event of Diwali, Minister Mr. Sean Fleming wished well to all communities celebrating Diwali in Ireland and worldwide. He highlighted the commonalities between the culture of Ireland and India. Minister remembered close contacts during the freedom struggle and links between Indian and Irish leadership after independence. He emphasized Diwali’s significance, the victory of good over evil, and underlined the need for furthering business and trade between Ireland
and India. Highlighted the work on the EU-India trade agreement and the current growing Irish-Indian relationship in the education, technology, trade, and insurance sector, directly under his department.
Senator Mr. Joe O’Reilly, Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Irish Senate (Deputy Speaker of Upper House of Irish Parliament) Message on Diwali-2022.
Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, Ambassador of India to Ireland, Message on Diwali-2022 also shared his message for Diwali.
There were performances of Indian classical dances by the Noopura Naada Shaala and Dr. Meghana Vasisht- students Kavitha, Tandra, and Sree Parvathi. Ms. Vidya Dixit performed melodiously Bollywood songs. Ms. Preeti Seth crafted the beautiful Henna art paintings for interested guests.
Thanks to Ms. Alice Boardman, Manager of City Hall, and her team for facilitating the celebration. The event was coordinated by Aditya Arya, Arun Seth, Vidya Dixit, and Preeti Seth. Prashant Shukla, Chair, and Damien Nee, the co-chair of Ireland India Council, welcomed the guests.