Abohar: Tulsi Gabbard, a seniorAmerican politician and United States Army Reserve officer who served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district, has once again extended greetings to all on the occasion of Diwali festival.

She was elected in 2012 and is the first Hindu member of Congress, and also the first Samoan-American voting member of Congress. In the video-message today, Tulsi said, “Our Diwali celebrations this year are going to be noticeably different than any other year. Many people are facing great challenges during this pandemic – whether it’s difficulty paying the bills, relationship problems, stress, anxiety, or loneliness.

She said that society was becoming more and more divided. Everything is politicized as we’re pitted against each other along battle lines of race, class, religion, gender, age, or values. Unity has given way to tribalism. The good of the whole has been replaced by “what’s in it for me or those like me?” But it doesn’t have to be this way, she feels.

Tulsi further said, “We can focus on the truth found in aloha … and namaste — that we are all connected, all brothers and sisters worthy of each other’s love, respect, and compassion.

While we may experience heartbreak or betrayal, the Supreme Soul, our Supreme Friend will never betray us, He will never leave us. His unconditional love for us, the shelter He provides, His desire for our well-being is unflinching. And just as Lord Rama heroically rescued Sita from the clutches of Ravana, the Lord is standing by to rescue us from our difficulties, if we simply take shelter in Him, she added.

“So as we celebrate Diwali, let us remember Lord Ramachandra whose appearance in this world and example can serve as a guide to us all. He never fails to show us where we should put our faith, our trust, and our hope for deliverance from even the most dangerous of situations.

While we may experience heartbreak or betrayal, the Supreme Soul, our Supreme Friend will never betray us, He will never leave us. His unconditional love for us, the shelter He provides, His desire for our well-being is unflinching. And just as Lord Rama heroically rescued Sita from the clutches of Ravana, the Lord is standing by to rescue us from our difficulties, if we simply take shelter in Him, she added.

Tulsi further said, “So as we light our candles on Diwali, let us find inspiration in how the Supreme Soul delivers victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
She has wished all peace, joy, and comfort during these difficult times and concluded her message by saying “Jai Lord Ramachandra and Jai Sri Krishna.