00:00In the heart of London, during this year's Diwali celebrations, Mayor Sadiq Khan delivered an emotional message in front of thousands of Londoners.
00:13The message resonated beyond the capital to other parts of the UK. Speaking to a packed crowd, he reflected on what it truly means to be Hindu and British or Sikh and British and proudly a Londoner.
00:28Now, his words came at a time when national conversation about identity and integration are once again making headlines.
00:38Just a few days earlier than this, Conservative MP Robert Jenrick sparked controversy by warning of what he called a lack of integration in parts of British society after a visit to the Midlands.
00:52The comments drew criticism from many who felt overlooked and that that point of view didn't express multicultural communities across the UK.
01:05In sharp contrast, Sadiq Khan used the Diwali stage to highlight the richness of dual identity, especially in the capital, and how faith, heritage and patriotism don't have to compete but can co-exist.
01:20Now, Conservative politicians have come back to defend Jenrick.
01:24Dame Priti Patel said that everyone, including politicians, should be able to make observations without fear of backlash.
01:33Now, here is what Sadiq Khan said in London.
01:36Look, can I begin by thanking you, those who've come along today, those of you who are proud Londoners, proudly British, proudly English, but also importantly, proudly Hindu, or proudly Sikh, or proudly Jai.
01:52You can be proudly British, and proudly Hindu, and proudly Hindu, you can be a proud Londoner, and celebrate Diwali.
02:03And, you know, there are people across our country, and across the globe, that try and divide communities.
02:12They try and turn one against the other, turn Hindus against Sikhs, or Muslims against Jews, or Christians against Buddhists.
02:20You show our city at its very, very best.
02:25But you show the importance of the teachings of Diwali.
02:29I learned, when I was at school, the story about the return of Rama and Sita.
02:36I also learned about the goddess Lakshmi and Ganesh.
02:40Importantly, I learned this festival teaches us about how light defeats darkness, how good defeats evil, and how knowledge overcomes ignorance.
02:52And now, more than ever, we need the teachings of Diwali around the world.
02:59Contact me.
03:19But before you've got 12 years of justice, we will have to continue throughout your 땔 spirit.
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