Meaningful solutions that put the lives of people first, is the priority of the Coalition Government and these are the virtues that Lord Rama preached and practiced and this is what the Coalition Government is doing.
In his message for Diwali, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says we must rejuvenate the light of truth, justice and righteousness to further strengthen the future of Fiji.
He says we must never assume that everything is and will be okay forever.
Professor Prasad says we enjoy unfettered freedom and rights restored by the election of the Coalition Government in late December 2022 and they will be respected and upheld by the Coalition Government – just as Lord Ram practiced in Ayodhya after vanquishing evil.
The Deputy Prime Minister says it is important that the significance of Diwali transcends into our daily lives.
He says the 14 years exile of Lord Ram and his triumphant return to the Kingdom of Ayodhya signified the establishment of “Ram Rajya”.
Professor Prasad says this means honest, principled, transparent and accountable government for the well-being of all our people, which the Coalition Government has preached and practiced.
He says of course the Coalition has had mis-steps as it embarked on fully resetting the moral compass of our nation after 16 years of dictatorship until December 2022.
Professor Prasad says Lord Ram had to face and overcome similarly if not more daunting challenges where every effort was being made to undermine his efforts to achieve lasting peace, progress and prosperity for the people.
He says the illuminating lights of the diyas that guided him into Ayodhya following his triumphant return from 14 years of exile after vanquishing evil, did not only provide light, but served as a beacon of hope, peace and glory.
Professor Prasad says Lord Ram put the interest of others above his own and he has shown us that he did not believe, nor preached or practiced, short-term solutions and quick-fixes.
The Deputy Prime Minister says Lord Ram’s invaluable lesson is to sacrifice self-interest in order to achieve lasting progress.
He says they as national leaders are showing the political will and capacity to dialogue with the ultimate aim of finding solutions through consensus.
Professor Prasad says as Lord Ram envisaged following his triumphant return to Ayodhya, much more needs to be done and much more will be done as there is no turning the clock back.
He stresses that just as the propaganda trying to vainly prevent Ram Rajya failed, so will the unscrupulous and self-centred politicians who are singing from the roof-tops and trying to derail the coalition government but they are undeterred.
The Deputy Prime Minister says they are preaching and practicing the virtue of talk, not force, of national interest before self- interest, and above all equality, dignity and justice for all our citizens.
He says Diwali is a multitude of vibrant colours that also symbolise our multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious community.
He says it is triumph of truth over evil, is the celebration of victory of truth and righteousness, is the crowning achievement of self-dignity, equality and justice and it is ensuring that our beloved nation becomes a land of hope and opportunity.
Professor Prasad further says on this significant occasion they remember our forefathers who despite the brutality and harshness of the indenture system, bequeathed to us, the future generations, our language, culture, tradition and festivals that we cherish today.
He says each one of us therefore must ensure that we are bequeathing not only our language, culture and traditions but also a strong foundation of self-dignity and the virtues of respect and tolerance to future generations.
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