00:00Well, as government representatives stayed away from this year's Diwali Nagar,
00:04opposition leader Penelope Beckles accepted the invitation to address patrons on Night 7, which was last night.
00:11With the National Council of Indian Culture marking its 40th anniversary,
00:16Beckles praised the organization's contribution to preserving Indian culture and strengthening national unity.
00:24While government MPs snubbed this year's Diwali Nagar,
00:28opposition leader Penelope Beckles accepted the invitation and addressed the audience on Night 7.
00:35It's the Nagar's 40th anniversary.
00:3840 years of preserving our tradition.
00:4340 years.
00:46Yes, 40 years of preserving our traditions.
00:5040 years of promoting our culture.
00:54And 40 years of bringing people together in celebration of faith, devotion and unity.
01:03She heralded the National Council of Indian Culture for its work and pledged her support for its future endeavors.
01:10To the National Council of Indian Culture, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulation of 40 years of dedicated service.
01:20May you continue to overcome every challenge with faith, courage and determination.
01:29May you remain steadfast in the noble duty entrusted upon you.
01:34May Diwali Nagar continue to grow as a treasured institution in the religious and cultural life of Trinidad and Tobago.
01:4260 years ago, Beckles noted Diwali was declared a public holiday.
01:47Today, 60 years later, Diwali, this beautiful festival, has become an integral part of the national identity of Trinidad and
01:59Tobago.
02:00Across Trinidad and Tobago, people of different religions and cultural backgrounds also participate in the celebration of this sacred festival.
02:11We see neighbors coming together to light, dears, friends and families share in traditional meals, and children joyously revel in
02:22the spectacle.
02:23This is one of the most beautiful expressions of our national character.
02:29Beckles spoke to the Nagar's 2026 theme, Viveka, discerning truth in the age of AI.
02:36It is my hope that we become a more discerning society in this new age, that we are able to
02:43see and realize truth through the fog of noise and distractions.
02:48This will bring more peace and harmony into our lives and help us create the society we wish to build
02:55for the next generation.
02:57Beckles called on citizens to work together for the common good.
03:01Let us recommit ourselves to a sacred duty of building a peaceful, progressive, and harmonious Trinidad and Tobago.
03:11Let us be more understanding to one another.
03:14Let us be more respectful of our differences.
03:18And most of all, let us be tolerant.
03:21Tolerance is simply not only one of our watchwords.
03:26It's an enduring principle that will help keep a nation as diverse as ours together.
