Lorely Listens

Written by Lorely Burt MP and published in Solihull Observer and Gazette on Thu 16th Nov 2006

There can be few sweeter sights than that of very small children dancing. Six little girls danced the dance of light for the guests at the Hindu Council celebration for Diwali at Millenium Point on Sunday, carrying tiny lights and in their pretty sequinned dresses - the grownups were entranced.

Although this Diwali celebration was a little belated (Diwali was actually three weeks ago) it was lovely to meet guests from all faiths and different walks of life enjoying the celebrations. As well as a Jewish lady Rabbi, I met Methodists, Muslims, a Judge, police, councillors and our own dear Mayor John Reeve. You could almost touch the goodwill in that room and amongst the crowds visiting the stalls and watching the stage show.

The Diwali celebration coincided with the start of British Asian Week. Diwali, whose true spirit in the words of Hindu Council President Mohindra Dabhi 'is to bring different communities together so that new relationships may be born bringing happiness, joy and reverence to the people of the West Midlands'. There could not have been a more fitting beginning to the week.

As I watched the little dancers I reflected that while the press constantly pounce on any aspect of conflict and bad will between different communities there is another side we don't hear about: one where difference is celebrated and communities grow stronger from mutual appreciation and respect.

The humanity which binds us is a hundred times stronger than the differences which divide us. This week, and every week, let's remember that.