Bengaluru: On the festive occasion of Deepavali, Archbishop Rev. Dr. Peter Machado extended heartfelt greetings and blessings to the people of Karnataka, especially to the Hindu community. Reflecting on the festival’s essence as the "Festival of Lights," he highlighted the significance of light triumphing over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.

In his message, the Archbishop encouraged people to embrace the spirit of charity and kindness by reaching out to those in need. He reminded that acts of generosity and service can uplift the spirits of the marginalised, reflecting the true light of Deepavali.

The Archbishop also spoke of the values of love, light, and forgiveness, which are central to creating harmony in communities. Each lamp lit during the festival, he said, symbolises the hope to dispel negativity and hatred, paving a path toward joy, love, and understanding. He called for prayers for global peace and urged everyone to foster tolerance and cooperation to build a just and harmonious society.

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Pune (PTI): Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar was admitted to a hospital in Pune on Thursday after he complained of chest pain, his party said, requesting that the privacy of the Dalit leader's family be respected.

“Balasaheb (Prakash) Ambedkar was admitted to a hospital in Pune in the early hours of Thursday, October 31, for chest pain. He is being treated in the ICU for a blood clot in his heart. His condition is stable and he will undergo angiography in the next hour,” said VBA on X.

The party said Ambedkar is expected to be under observation for the next 3-5 days.

“VBA state president Rekha Tai Thakur, with the support of the party’s election coordination committee, manifesto committee and media and research department, will be leading the (assembly election) campaign of VBA for the next few days,” the post said.

The family of 70-year-old Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, won’t take questions at this time, the party said, requesting that their privacy be respected as they deal with the circumstances concerning his health, the post added.