A senior Indian-origin leader in the UK has urged the youngsters of Indian community to participate in the festivities of Diwali.
Lord Navneet Dholakia, senior leader of the Liberal Democrats, urged the community youths to "not only understand but also participate" in the festivities of Diwali.
"Our culture and values have stood the test of time. That is why we are playing an important role in the civic life of our adopted homeland," he said.
According to 2001 census, UK is home to more than half a million Hindus where Diwali is celebrated by a large section of the non-Hindu population as well.
In a message to the London-based organisation, Nrityakala The Rhythm, which launched the biggest ever study of Manipuri and Tagore dances recently, Lord Dholakia, said "The first generation of the vibrant Indian community had the privilege to witness our culture which spans both India and Britain.
"However, it is important that the subsequent generations of our youth have the opportunity not only to understand but also participate in such activities."
Bithika Raha Basu, director of Nrityakala, said the organisation had organised an evening of dances with India's renowned Manipuri dancer Bimbavati Devi and others, including dance theatre 'Karna Kunti' and Tagore dances.
{{/usCountry}}Bithika Raha Basu, director of Nrityakala, said the organisation had organised an evening of dances with India's renowned Manipuri dancer Bimbavati Devi and others, including dance theatre 'Karna Kunti' and Tagore dances.
{{/usCountry}}Scheduled for October 25 at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan here, actors Shabana Azmi, Farouque Shaikh, and one of India's prominent classical singers Pandit Ajay Chakraborty have recorded recitations for the event in their own inimitable voices.
Nrityakala The Rhythm - School of Dance and Institute of Indian Culture was founded by Bithika Raha 'Basu' in 1986. It is one of the foremost proponents of Classical, Folk & Contemporary Indian dance, music, art and culture in the UK.