Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided to send out greetings this Diwali on social media. The Prime Minister posted a picture of himself in a black sherwani lighting a ceremonial lamp with the caption “Diwali Mubarak! We’re celebrating in Ottawa tonight. #HappyDiwali!”
The city of Ottawa celebrated Diwali with the Prime Minister and Indian High Commissioner Vikas Swarup as members of the Indian crowds looked on.
Diwali Mubarak! We’re celebrating in Ottawa tonight. #HappyDiwali! pic.twitter.com/HBFlQUBhWX
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) 17 October 2017
Although, it was a heartwarming gesture from the Canadian leader some felt otherwise. Twitter handles began correcting the Prime Minister on is choice of words.
It’s not “Diwali Mubarak”, it’s “Diwali Ki Badhai” … Correct it ..
— Bhavesh K Pandey (@bhaveshkpandey) 17 October 2017
PM Justin, thanks for the Deepavali Greetings. Confirm w. @CanadainIndia, please amend your tweet. Nobody, but nobody, says “Diwali Mubarak”
— Truthsayer (@a_truthsayer) 17 October 2017
Thank you, Mr.PM. Its good to hear from a global icon. But it’s either ‘subh deewali’ (Hindhi) or deepavali Vazhthukal(Tamil).
— Abinayah Raguraam (@AbinayahR) 17 October 2017
While others supported Justin Trudeau and responded to his greetings with a smile.
You are awesome. Not sure why ppl getting offended by “Mubarak” Respect the sentiments behind, Mubarak just an Arabic word for blessing
— Shaan (@Shanyousaf6) 17 October 2017
Mubarak is Urdu word and badhai is Hindi/Punjabi , they both mean the same. Give some cushion to a westerner ffs.
— Eye of tiger (@Aqal_k_dushman) 17 October 2017
Aapko bhi Diwali Mubarak! pic.twitter.com/P7sxmH1xKB
— ManojVerma (@mjmanojmanoj) 17 October 2017
The ones correcting Trudeau are right in their own way but the Prime Minister was being genuine. It may not be the orthodox way of wishing but the action is what counts. We live in a world with hatred against religions and maybe Trudeau was trying to bridge that gap.
Diwali is a festival to spread joy and happiness. So, Happy Diwali to all and let’s work towards a happy and friendly world.