{"id":2228,"date":"2025-11-12T10:15:30","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T10:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/?p=2228"},"modified":"2025-11-12T10:53:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T10:53:16","slug":"prof-jitesh-s-b-gajjar-and-bharti-gupta-celebrating-diwali-at-the-university-of-manchester-20-october-2025-lighting-the-way-for-inclusion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.manchester.ac.uk\/edi\/2025\/11\/12\/prof-jitesh-s-b-gajjar-and-bharti-gupta-celebrating-diwali-at-the-university-of-manchester-20-october-2025-lighting-the-way-for-inclusion\/","title":{"rendered":"Prof. Jitesh S.B. Gajjar and Bharti Gupta: Celebrating Diwali at the University of Manchester 20 October 2025: Lighting the Way for Inclusion"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” fullwidth=”on” next_background_color=”#000000″ global_module=”322″][et_pb_fullwidth_menu global_parent=”322″ _builder_version=”3.0.106″ menu_id=”7″ submenu_direction=”downwards” fullwidth_menu=”off” background_layout=”dark” module_class=”main-navigation” \/][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”on” prev_background_color=”#000000″ next_background_color=”#1d1d1d”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ specialty_columns=”2″][et_pb_row_inner locked=”off”][et_pb_column_inner type=”4_4″ saved_specialty_column_type=”2_3″][et_pb_post_title _builder_version=”3.17.6″ featured_placement=”above” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” date_format=”j M Y” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.17.6″ background_layout=”light” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

On 20th October 2025, one of the popular EDI staff networks – the Dharmic Cultures Network (DCN) organised a landmark Diwali ceremony at the University of Manchester. This event, attended by colleagues from across the University and our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Ivison<\/strong>, marked the first-ever Diwali celebration on campus\u2014a significant milestone for our diverse community.<\/p>\n

Diwali marks a time of renewal, reflection, and gratitude for millions of people from Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities worldwide. While Laxmi is the Goddess of wealth, her blessings extend beyond material prosperity to include health, harmony, and social wellbeing. Diwali invites us to reflect on our own \u201cbalance sheets\u201d of life \u2014 to consider whether our actions, thoughts, and relationships reflect generosity, compassion, and respect.<\/p>\n

A highlight of the day was Professor Ivison\u2019s active participation. He joined in lighting the ceremonial diya (lamp), a powerful symbol of Diwali\u2019s message: moving from darkness to light, and from ignorance to knowledge. This moment, underscored the University\u2019s commitment to celebrating all cultures and faiths on campus.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The ceremony included:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Welcome and introduction<\/li>\n
  2. Diwali ceremony \u2013 Ganesh and Laxmi puja with recitation of verses<\/li>\n
  3. Message from the President and Vice-Chancellor<\/li>\n
  4. Talk on \u201cDiwali and Wellbeing\u201d<\/li>\n
  5. Announcement of Rangoli competition winners<\/li>\n
  6. Closing remarks and refreshments<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The event began with prayers to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi, with sacred Sanskrit verses recited and explained to the audience. Professor Ivison joined in the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the collective recitation of the Shree Suktam\u2014verses paying homage to Goddess Laxmi. The ceremony concluded with the universal message of Diwali: \u201cFrom ignorance to truth, from darkness to light, and from mortality to immortality.\u201d<\/p>\n

    In his address, Professor Ivison reflected on how the core values of Diwali\u2014light, knowledge, and truth\u2014are shared across many faiths and cultures. He expressed surprise that this was the University\u2019s first Diwali ceremony and said he was delighted to be part of this important occasion. His presence and words sent a strong message of support for inclusion and belonging at Manchester.<\/p>\n

    Further reflections came from Dr Mukesh Pancholi<\/strong> \u00a0from Inner Space Manchester,<\/strong> who spoke about the festival\u2019s deeper connection to mental and emotional health and well-being. Dr Harmesh Aojula<\/strong> shared insights from the Sikh tradition celebrating the festival as Bandi Chor Diwas, while Dr Shreena Joshi Pradhan<\/strong> offered a glimpse into how Diwali is celebrated in Nepal. The event concluded with refreshments, including an array of sweets and homemade dishes brought by participants\u2014a joyful celebration of light, unity, and community spirit.<\/p>\n

    This inaugural Diwali celebration at the University of Manchester was a wonderful reminder of the strength of our diverse community and the shared values that bring us together. The visible support and participation of our President and Vice-Chancellor set a powerful example for inclusive leadership and cultural celebration.<\/p>\n

    Many thanks to Stephanie Danson, Hannah Rustomjee, Jessica Murphy, and all DCN members for their efforts in organising, decorating, and bringing food to this memorable event.<\/p>\n

    Author: Prof. Jitesh S.B. Gajjar –\u00a0Department of Mathematics<\/p>\n

    Editor: Bharti Gupta – Research IT<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_nav _builder_version=”3.0.106″ in_same_term=”off” show_prev=”on” show_next=”on” prev_text=”Previous” next_text=”Next” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” \/][et_pb_comments _builder_version=”3.0.106″ show_avatar=”on” show_reply=”on” show_count=”on” background_layout=”light” header_font_size_tablet=”51″ header_line_height_tablet=”2″ custom_button=”on” button_icon_placement=”right” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_use_icon=”off” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_size__hover=”null” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover=”null” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover=”null” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover=”null” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover=”null” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover=”null” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”null” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover=”null” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover=”null” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover=”null” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover=”null” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover=”null” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover=”null” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover=”null” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover=”null” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”null” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover=”null” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover=”null” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover=”null” \/][et_pb_text admin_label=”Related posts” _builder_version=”3.0.106″ background_layout=”light” locked=”on” parent_locked=”off”]<\/p>\n

    Related<\/h1>\n

    Related posts:<\/h3>
    <\/div>
    <\/div>
    <\/div>

    Philip Harrison: Finding a Faith Community<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a>
    <\/div>

    Dr Perpetual Eze-Idehen: World Day of Prayer 2026 - Unity, Reflection and the Power of Shared Voices<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a>
    <\/div>

    Dr Perpetual Eze-Idehen: Easter and Lent Reflection<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>
    <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”3.0.106″ area=”sidebar-1″ orientation=”left” show_border=”off” background_layout=”light” locked=”on” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Connect Title” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” _builder_version=”3.0.90″ background_color=”#1d1d1d” module_class=”footer-section” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” global_module=”380″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” global_parent=”380″ locked=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” use_custom_gutter=”off” make_equal=”off” module_id=”footer-row” _builder_version=”3.0.89″][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

    Contact Us<\/h4>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact Us” global_parent=”380″ text_text_color=”#aaaaaa” parent_locked=”off” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_class=”contact-us” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

    +44 (0) 161 306 6000<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Find Us Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

    Find Us<\/h4>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Address” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” module_id=”address” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

    The University of Manchester
    Oxford Rd
    Manchester
    M13 9PL
    UK<\/a><\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Connect Title” global_parent=”380″ background_layout=”dark” text_text_color=”#ffffff” parent_locked=”off” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]<\/p>\n

    Connect With Us<\/h4>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Social Media” global_parent=”380″ parent_locked=”off” _builder_version=”3.17.6″]<\/p>\n