Canadian PM gives Diwali wishes, people have a problem with that too
It seems Indians have turned Puritans when it comes to the usage of words.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently took to Twitter to wish people who are celebrating a Happy Diwali. Trudeau posted a photo of him, wearing a beautifully embroidered black kurta, lighting a ceremonial lamp during celebrations in the city of Ottawa, as Indian High Commissioner Vikas Swarup and members of the diaspora looked on.
Diwali Mubarak! We're celebrating in Ottawa tonight. #HappyDiwali! pic.twitter.com/HBFlQUBhWX
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 17, 2017
While the photo captured a beautiful moment of solidarity and fellow feeling, his choice of greeting did not go down too well with certain people, who took no time to rant on the microblogging site Twitter.
It's not "Diwali Mubarak", it's "Diwali Ki Badhai" ... Correct it ..
— Bhavesh K Pandey (@bhaveshkpandey) October 17, 2017
Trudeau was instantly criticised for using the word ‘Mubarak’ in his tweet with those opposed saying that the word has its origins in Arabic. He was asked to correct his mistake:
Word to the wise : It's "Shubh-Deepavali", (Auspicious Deepavali), and NOT "Diwali Mubarak". "Mubarak" is Arabic, not Indian. @CanadainIndia
— Truthsayer (@a_truthsayer) October 17, 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) October 17, 2017
But there were those who came out in support for the Canadian PM:
You are awesome. Not sure why ppl getting offended by "Mubarak" Respect the sentiments behind, Mubarak just an Arabic word for blessing
— Shaan (@Shanyousaf6) October 17, 2017
But almost everyone appreciated Trudeau's gesture:
Thanks PM Trudeau and Diwali Mubarak to you too!!!
— Shiraz Khan (@itzShiraz) October 17, 2017
Aww... It feels so good when ppl other than your countrymen understand the importance of Diwali.. Diwali Mubarak..
— Vaishnavi Gaur (@vaishnavigaur1) October 17, 2017
This is not the first time that Trudeau is wishing Indians across the world on their festival. The Canadian PM has been known to routinely take to social media to celebrate different cultures and faiths.
Earlier this year, he wished everyone on Eid Al-Fitur and also offered Vaisakhi greetings and Pongal greetings as well.
And if social media images are something to go by, the dashing PM may have a panache for kurtas.
