Theresa May praises British-Indians in Diwali message

Hailing the contribution of British- Indians, Prime Minister Theresa May has said she would highlight their success during her first official visit to India next month.

May praised British-Indians in her message at the annual Diwali celebrations in the House of Commons yesterday.

"In Britain's Indian communities, we can see the good that can be done when people's talents are unleashed. I think of all those running their own businesses, taking risks and working hard so that they can provide for their families and take on staff," May said in her message, read out by Bob Blackman, the parliamentary host of the annual Diwali event organised by the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB).

She said that she would be highlighting this success when she visits India next month on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I will be so proud to highlight the achievements of British-Indians next month when I make my first official visit to India as Prime Minister at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," May said.

The event organised on the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion overlooking the river Thames began with the reciting of mantras and was attended by leading Indian-origin parliamentarians including lord Swraj Paul, lord Dolar Popat, lord Jitesh Gadhia and Shailesh Vara.

"I am incredibly proud, as a British-Indian and a British Hindu to see this event go from strength to strength. It is a celebration for all of us from all backgrounds," said Priti Patel, the UK's International Development Minister and the senior-most Indian-origin minister in May's Cabinet.

The event this time coincided with a Jammu and Kashmir delegation's visit led by Maharaja Kumar Ajatshatru Singh, the grandson of the Maharaja Hari Singh who signed the accession treaty for J&K to become a part of India on October 26, 1947.

Blackman declared that October 26 would now be marked as J&K Day every year in the UK Parliament.