英国首相特雷莎·梅2016年排灯节致辞
Diwali 2016: Theresa May's message
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Prime Minister Theresa May said:
I am delighted to send my very best wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali[1], a festival which holds such significance for so many people.
Indeed, right across the world, lights decorate the streets, flowers adorn[2] homes, treats are served and presents exchanged – all marking the triumph of light over darkness.
But the festival of lights isn’t just relevant for Hindus[印度教的], Jains[耆那教徒(式)的], Sikhs[锡克教徒的] and Buddhists[佛教徒的]. It is relevant to all of us, those of all faiths and none. We can all learn from the example set by Lord Rama[罗摩神], whose return from exile[流放] is marked by these 5 holy days.
That epic story[史诗般的故事] teaches us about building strong families and communities, shunning[3] wrongdoing and evil, and choosing the right path. It promotes the values of service, responsibility, unity and tolerance.
We need those values more than ever as we build a country that works for everyone – a country where no matter what your faith, your beliefs or your background, you can reach your full potential.
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[雇佣;担任;承担] staff.
I think of all those public servants whose hard work and dedication makes our hospitals, schools, police forces and armed forces what they are today.
I think of the volunteers who give up their own time to look after elderly neighbours or help provide food for families who are less well off. These people are the backbone[支柱;骨干;基础] of our communities.
And 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[莫迪总理], celebrating the relations between our countries and our shared ambitions for the future.
As we start the Hindu New Year[印度新年], it is an occasion for people to reflect on the 12 months that have passed and look to the opportunities ahead.
So as friends and families come together, in reflection and celebration, let me wish you all a Shubh Deepawali and send my good wishes to Sikhs[锡克教徒的] celebrating Bandi Chhor Diwas too.
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注释
[1]Diwali：排灯节，又称万灯节、印度灯节或者屠妖节，是印度教、锡克教和耆那教“以光明驱走黑暗，以善良战胜邪恶”的节日，于每年10月或11月中举行，一些佛教信徒也庆祝这个节日。由于其影响力盖过其它节日，故往往会被新马一带的华人社会误解成印度人的新年节日。
[2]adorn：to add something decorative to a person or thing 装扮；装饰
The bride's hair was adorned with white flowers.
新娘的头上戴着白花。
[3]shun：to avoid something 避开，避免
She has shunned publicity since she retired from acting.
告别舞台生涯后，她便退出了人们的视线。
to ignore someone and not speak to that person because you cannot accept their behaviour, beliefs, etc. 躲避，回避
After the trial he was shunned by friends and family alike.
审判后，朋友和家人都躲着他。
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